Non-melanotic skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), are claimable through DVA when caused by cumulative UV exposure during service. Veterans with accepted solar keratosis can often claim skin cancer as a sequela.
Why Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) is common in the ADF
Cumulative UV exposure during outdoor ADF service in tropical and high-UV environments creates the conditions for non-melanotic skin cancer development. The latency period between UV exposure and cancer development means many veterans develop skin cancers years after discharge.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) is on the PAMT list. This means you can access funded medical treatment while your DVA claim is being assessed — you do not need to wait for a liability decision to start treatment.
Dermatology consultations and treatment
Surgical excision of lesions
Ongoing skin surveillance
Deadline: PAMT applications for Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) must be lodged by 30 June 2026. After this date, PAMT will no longer be available as the VETS Act takes effect. Do not wait.
Statement of Principles — in plain English
DVA assesses your claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP). Here are the key factors that most commonly apply to Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) claims, translated from the legal language.
Cumulative sun (UV radiation) exposure during outdoor occupational activities
Sufficient cumulative outdoor occupational UV exposure to substantially exceed population average lifetime exposure
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) often develop related conditions that may also be claimable. These are worth assessing at the same time as your primary claim.
What to expect for impairment points
Skin cancer impairment is assessed based on the extent of disease, surgical outcomes, and any functional impairment resulting from treatment.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) claim looks like
Histopathology report confirming the type of skin cancer
Dermatologist report documenting the diagnosis and treatment
Service records establishing outdoor service in high-UV environments
DVA currently takes 3–6 months to decide most initial liability claims. Complex or multi-condition claims can take longer. Lodging a complete, decision-ready claim upfront reduces back-and-forth.
Processing times guideCommon questions about Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic) claims
Ready to claim Skin Cancer (Non-Melanotic)?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether your condition meets the SoP factors, what evidence you need, and how to build a decision-ready claim.
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