Citation Nr: 18150756
Decision Date: 11/15/18	Archive Date: 11/15/18

DOCKET NO. 16-18 960A
DATE:	November 15, 2018
ORDER
Entitlement to service connection for actinic keratosis and skin cancer is granted.
FINDING OF FACT
The Veteran had intense sun exposure and sun burns during service which damaged his skin and led to the development of actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
CONCLUSION OF LAW
The criteria for entitlement to service connection for actinic keratosis and skin cancer have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1101, 1110, 1113, 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303.
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran served on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from October 1961 to July 1965. 
1. Entitlement to service connection for skin cancer.
The Veteran contends that he developed skin cancer from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.  In the alternative, in a January 2011 statement, he reported that he developed sun burns and, eventually, skin cancer due to working on jet engines at various bases, including in Vietnam.
To establish service connection on a direct basis the evidence must show (1) a current disability; (2) an in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and (3) a nexus between the claimed in-service disease or injury and the present disability.  See Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163 (Fed. Cir. 2004).
VA treatment records show diagnoses and treatment for actinic keratosis and squamous/basal cell carcinoma.  Thus, the current disability element is met. The Veteran’s DD Form 214 shows that he served as an aircraft mechanic.  His reports of prolonged sun exposure are consistent with the conditions of his service and therefore are deemed credible.  Thus, the in-service incurrence element is met.  
In regard to nexus, a March 2018 VA dermatology note shows that in response to the Veteran’s inquiry as to the likelihood of his development of pre-cancer and cancer as a result of service with intense sun exposure and sun burns, VA staff dermatologist Dr. F.H. responded in the affirmative.  Dr. F.H. advised that given the Veteran’s light complexion and light eyes he was at a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer. Dr. F.H. explained that the sun exposure is cumulative over the years of the Veteran’s life. Therefore, it is as likely as not it is caused by service. 
As a current disability, in-service incurrence of an injury, and a nexus between the claimed in-service injury and the present disability is shown, service connection for actinic keratosis and skin cancer is warranted. 
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TANYA SMITH
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Price, Associate Counsel