Citation Nr: 18144409
Decision Date: 10/24/18	Archive Date: 10/24/18

DOCKET NO. 15-03 475
DATE:	October 24, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a lung disability is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Navy from February 1955 to February 1959.
The Veteran testified at a video conference Board hearing before the undersigned Veteran’s Law Judge in May 2018. A transcript of the hearing was prepared and associated with the claims file.
Entitlement to service connection for a lung disability is remanded.
While further delay is regrettable, additional development is warranted before the Veteran’s claim may be decided.
VA treatment records support that the Veteran was previously exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atelectasis. In an August 2018 statement, a private physician, Dr. M.S., opined that the Veteran’s lung disability was related to service. Thus, the Veteran meets the criteria for entitlement to a VA examination in connection with this claim.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any lung disability.  The examiner is informed that the Veteran has reported smoking from age 18 until he was 47 years old (1983) and has been diagnosed with COPD and atelectasis. The examiner is asked to opine whether it is at least as likely as not that the current lung disability or disabilities is/are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including exposure to asbestos or other chemicals, such as solvents and paints, during service.  Upon what facts and medical principles do you base your opinion?
 
A. P. SIMPSON
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	R. Husain, Associate Counsel