Citation Nr: 18141237
Decision Date: 10/10/18	Archive Date: 10/09/18

DOCKET NO. 15-15 851
DATE:	October 10, 2018
REMANDED
Service connection for loss of teeth is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active duty from September 1966 to April 1969.  
Service connection for loss of teeth is remanded.
In his May 2015 VA form 9, the Veteran reported that following his gunshot wound, he had received dental treatment at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from approximately May 1967 to September 1967.  Additionally, the March 1969 separation examination indicated that the Veteran’s dental situation had changed since his enlistment, though it is unclear how it changed.  A remand is required to allow VA to request these potentially relevant records.
Once additional records have been obtained, an addendum medical opinion should be provided to review such records in reference to the Veteran’s claim.
The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:
1.  Obtain records of any inpatient treatment at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital, from approximately May 1967 to September 1967.  Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file. 
2.  After the above records have been obtained, obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether any of the Veteran’s loss of teeth is at least as likely as not related to his service, including his gunshot wound to the mandible.  
 
H.M. WALKER
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Lindio