Citation Nr: 18143388
Decision Date: 10/19/18	Archive Date: 10/18/18

DOCKET NO. 16-34 374
DATE:	October 19, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity, is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from March 1967 to March 1970.
Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity and right lower extremity, is remanded.
A VA medical opinion based on a review of the record was obtained in January 2014, and the Veteran was also afforded a VA examination in April 2016.  Both examiners concluded that the Veteran’s bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.  However, the examiners did not provide an opinion regarding direct service connection.  Notably, both examiners stated that that the Veteran reported an onset of foot problems since 1970s.  Further, the Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam, which entitles him to a presumption of service connection if it is determined that his peripheral neuropathy is of the early-onset type that manifested to a degree of 10 percent or more within a year after he was last exposed to herbicide agents.  38 U.S.C. § 1116; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.303(b), 3.307(a)(6)(ii), 3.309(e).  Therefore, the Board will remand the matter for an addendum opinion. 
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity and left lower extremity, is at least as likely as not related to service.  The examiner should specifically address the Veteran’s statements regarding the onset of symptoms and the herbicide agent exposure presumption for early-onset peripheral neuropathy.  A discussion of the complete rationale for all opinions expressed should be included in the examination report, to include reference to pertinent evidence where appropriate.  If it is determined that the requested opinion may not be provided without a physical examination, such should be scheduled.
 
A. ISHIZAWAR
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N. Shah, Associate Counsel