Citation Nr: 21000432 Decision Date: 01/05/21 Archive Date: 01/05/21 DOCKET NO. 17-15 269 DATE: January 5, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for actinic keratosis is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served active duty in the United States Air Force from August 1965 to August 1969. In June 2020, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge at a Virtual hearing. A copy of the transcript has been associated with the claims file. 1. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma is remanded. 2. Service connection for actinic keratosis is remanded. The Veteran contends that his basal cell carcinoma and his actinic keratosis is due to his period of service. Specifically, the Veteran asserts that his sun exposure while working the flight line during service resulted in his claimed conditions. The Veteran’s DD 214 indicates that the Veteran’s MOS was weapons mechanic. The Veteran’s service treatment records indicate treatment for a nodule in the right nasal area in February 1966, swelling and edema around the lips in November 1967, and “shaver’s beard” in March 1969. Though the Veteran did not have a specific diagnosis for his claimed current disabilities during service, the Veteran did report various skin conditions. Moreover, the Veteran’s description of sun exposure is consistent with his MOS. A remand is necessary to determine whether the Veteran’s current disabilities are related to his in-service experience. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Send the Veteran’s file to an appropriate VA examiner to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. Examinations may be scheduled only if the examiner deems it necessary and may be conducted via telehealth or similar service during the social distancing restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. After review of the record, the examiner is asked to address the following: a. Determine whether the Veteran’s basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) due to his period of active duty service. In making this determination, the examiner is asked to consider and discuss the Veteran’s report of in-service sun exposure and the February 1966, November 1967, and March 1969 service treatment records. b. Determine whether the Veteran’s actinic keratosis is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) due to his period of active duty service. In making this determination, the examiner is asked to consider and discuss the Veteran’s report of in-service sun exposure and the February 1966, November 1967, and March 1969 service treatment records. JENNIFER HWA Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Ford The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.