Citation Nr: 22013181 Decision Date: 03/08/22 Archive Date: 03/08/22 DOCKET NO. 19-19 215 DATE: March 8, 2022 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is related to his in-service sun exposure and blistering sunburns. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for basal cell carcinoma are met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran had active service in the United States Air Force from May 1965 to November 1968. This matter is on appeal from a June 2018 rating decision. The Veteran requested a Board hearing. However, he did not appear for his hearing and has not filed a motion to have his hearing rescheduled. Therefore, the Board will proceed with the adjudication of the appeal. Entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma. The Veteran contends that his is basal cell carcinoma is either due to his in-service sun exposure and blistering sun burns or his exposure to ionizing radiation. As the Board is granting the claim based on the Veteran's contentions regarding in-service sun exposure, the Board will not address his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board concludes that the Veteran has a current disability that is related to his in-service sun exposure, to include his blistering sunburns. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107(b); Holton v. Shinseki, 557 F.3d 1363, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2009); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a). In October 2017, the Veteran was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma of the face. In April 2018, the Veteran wrote that he had unprotected sun exposure during basic training and while he was working in the airfields. Over the course of his active service, he sustained several blistering sunburns. The Board notes that the Veteran's service treatment records do not reflect treatment for blistering sunburns. However, the Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding in-service sun exposure and sunburns to be competent and credible as they are consistent with the circumstances of his service. In April 2018, Dr. I.R., the Veteran's primary care physician, wrote that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma was caused by his exposure to excess sunlight and blistering sunburns during active service. VA has not obtained a medical opinion addressing the relationship between the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma and his in-service sun exposure and blistering sun burns. Upon review of the record, the Board finds the evidence to at least be in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current basal cell carcinoma is related to his in-service sunburns and sun exposure. Accordingly, after resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection for basal cell carcinoma is warranted. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; 38 C.F.R. § 3.102. DAVID L. WIGHT Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board R.R. Watkins, Counsel 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.