Citation Nr: 18142255
Decision Date: 10/15/18	Archive Date: 10/15/18

DOCKET NO. 16-02 443
DATE:	October 15, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from January 1969 to January 1971.  The Veteran requested a hearing before the Board; however, in a September 2018 statement the Veteran withdrew his request. 
Entitlement to service connection for COPD is remanded.
A February 1970 service treatment record reflects that the Veteran sought treatment for a cough of 3 days duration.  He was diagnosed with mild bronchitis.  The Veteran now asserts that he has COPD related to service.  He asserts respiratory problems since service.  The Board finds that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any COPD.  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d); McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). 
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Arrange for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his COPD.  Any necessary testing should be conducted.  The claims file must be reviewed in conjunction with the examination, and the examiner must indicate that such review occurred.  
The examiner should provide a well-reasoned opinion on:
Whether it is at least as likely as not (a probability of 50 percent or greater) that any diagnosed COPD had its clinical onset during the Veteran’s active duty service or is otherwise etiologically related to his period of active service. 
Any opinion(s) offered should be accompanied by a clear rationale consistent with the evidence of record.  If the examiner finds it impossible to provide any requested opinions without resort to speculation, he or she should so indicate and explain why such a finding is made.
  
CAROLINE B. FLEMING
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A.M. Clark, Counsel