Solar keratosis (actinic keratosis) refers to pre-malignant lesions caused by cumulative UV exposure, and is directly linked to the outdoor nature of ADF service. Veterans who served in tropical regions, on extended field exercises, and in high-UV environments are at significantly elevated risk.
Solar keratosis is a PAMT-eligible condition, allowing access to funded dermatology treatment and skin surveillance while your claim is assessed.
Why Solar Keratosis is common in the ADF
ADF service frequently involves sustained outdoor exposure in high-UV environments, particularly in northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Tropical deployments, field exercises, and years of outdoor service without consistent sunscreen access or application create the cumulative UV exposure that causes solar keratosis.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Solar Keratosis 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 skin checks
Treatment of solar keratoses (cryotherapy, topical treatments)
Ongoing skin surveillance
Deadline: PAMT applications for Solar Keratosis 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 Solar Keratosis claims, translated from the legal language.
Cumulative sun (ultraviolet radiation) exposure during outdoor occupational activities
Outdoor occupational exposure in a high-UV environment sufficient to substantially increase lifetime UV exposure beyond the population average
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Solar Keratosis 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
Solar keratosis impairment is typically assessed based on the number, distribution, and severity of lesions, and the impact on daily life and ongoing treatment burden.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Solar Keratosis claim looks like
Dermatologist report confirming diagnosis and assessing severity
Service records establishing outdoor postings and deployments in high-UV environments
Photographic documentation of lesion distribution if available
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 Solar Keratosis claims
Ready to claim Solar Keratosis?
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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