Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma causes dark patches to form on the skin and is rated under Diagnostic Code 7833. The rating structure is similar to other skin cancers. While active and undergoing systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation beyond the skin, or extensive surgery, a 100% rating is assigned. This continues for 6 months after treatments stop and the cancer goes dormant. Afterward, the condition is rated on residual symptoms. If the cancer is active but only receiving local skin treatment including surgical removal, the 100% rating is not appropriate. Malignant melanoma is a presumptive condition for veterans with burn pit exposure.
VA Rating Levels
Rated on residual symptoms (commonly rated under disfigurement, scars, or limitation of range of motion).
While cancer is active AND undergoing systemic treatments (chemotherapy, radiation beyond skin level, or extensive surgery), or for 6 months after treatments stop and the cancer goes dormant.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Malignant melanoma is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits under the PACT Act.
- →Common residual ratings after melanoma treatment include disfigurement, scars, and limitation of range of motion.
- →After the 6-month post-treatment 100% rating period, make sure to request evaluation for any residual symptoms.
- →If your melanoma only required local surgical excision, the 100% active cancer rating does not apply, but you can still be rated on the resulting scars or disfigurement.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7833