Citation Nr: 18144324
Decision Date: 10/25/18	Archive Date: 10/24/18

DOCKET NO. 16-33 844
DATE:	October 25, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served with the Air Force National Guard of Ohio and had a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) from June 1993 to January 1994.
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a November 2014 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
In February 2017, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge.
1. Entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded.
The Veteran competently and credibly reports experiencing sinus impairment in service.  He states that his sinus disorder is related to service, to include as due to his exposure to jet fumes and chemicals from F-16’s 4 to 12 hours a day.  His VA treatment records reveal diagnoses of sinusitis and left nasal deviated septum.  See July 2014 and April 2015 VA treatment records.  Further, he complained of congestion and a cough lasting for three days in July 1993, and was diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory infection.  The Veteran’s DD Form 214 indicates that his military occupational specialty (MOS) was an avionic systems apprentice.  Therefore, the Board finds the Veteran’s report of exposure to jet fumes and chemicals from F-16’s during active duty consistent with the circumstances of his service and MOS.  See 38 U.S.C. § 1154(a).  Accordingly, the Board finds that the low standard detailed in McLendon is met and a VA examination and medical nexus opinion is warranted and should be obtained on remand.  See McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006).  
Additionally, any outstanding VA treatment records should also be secured.  Further, the Veteran testified that he recently received shots from Premier Allergy of Columbus.  On remand, these private treatment records should be obtained.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:
1. Obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.
2. With any necessary assistance from the Veteran, obtain all outstanding records of private treatment, to include from Premier Allergy of Columbus.
3. Then schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sinus disorder.  The entire claims file must be reviewed by the examiner.  All indicated tests and studies should be conducted, and all findings reported in detail.  
For each sinus disorder identified, to include sinusitis and deviated left nasal septum, please opine as to whether it is as at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that such disorder 
(1)	had its onset during a verified period of ACDUTRA (June 1993 to January 1994), to include as a result of the July 1993 viral upper respiratory infection therein; or 
(2)	is otherwise the result of a disease or injury incurred during ACUDTRA, to include as a result of conceded jet fume and chemical exposure 4 to 12 hours per day.   See February 2017 Board Hearing at 4-5. 
A complete rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions expressed.
 
S. BUSH
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	K. Forde, Counsel