Citation Nr: 18146330 Decision Date: 10/31/18 Archive Date: 10/31/18 DOCKET NO. 16-24 944A DATE: October 31, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a vocal cord disability, claimed as “lump removed from vocal cord” is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a skin disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active service in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) from October 1973 to October 1977. This matter comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2015 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in Louisville, Kentucky. Service Connection – Vocal Cord, GERD, and Skin Disability The Board finds that additional development is required prior to adjudicating the Veteran’s claims on appeal. The Board notes that the Veteran has consistently asserted that he has a vocal cord disability, GERD, and a skin disability as a result of his active service. In that regard, he stated that he was exposed to contaminated water while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Indeed, the Veteran’s military personnel records show that the Veteran was stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 through December 1987. Further, the Veteran’s service treatment records indicate he complained of, and was treated for a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and a blister on his nose during active service. In light of the Veteran’s statements, the service treatment records, his service at Camp Lejeune, and his current diagnoses of GERD and eczema, the Board concludes that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any vocal cord disability, GERD, and skin disability. McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). Additionally, current treatment records should be identified and obtained before a decision is made in this case. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Identify and obtain any pertinent, outstanding VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file. 2. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an examiner with sufficient expertise to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present vocal cord disability. The examiner should review the claims file and indicate that review in the report. Any indicated studies should be performed. Based upon the examination results and a review of the record, the examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that any currently present vocal cord disability had its onset during the Veteran’s active service or is otherwise etiologically related to service, to include the Veteran’s exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The examiner should specifically address the March 1971 STR indicating complaint of and treatment for a sore throat. The rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided. 3. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an examiner with sufficient expertise to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present GERD. The examiner should review the claims file and indicate that review in the report. Any indicated studies should be performed. Based upon the examination results and a review of the record, the examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that any currently present GERD had its onset during the Veteran’s active service or is otherwise etiologically related to service, to include the Veteran’s exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The examiner should specifically address the November 1976 STR indicating complaint of and treatment for a nausea and vomiting. The rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided. 4. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an examiner with sufficient expertise to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present skin disability. The examiner should review the claims file and indicate that review in the report. Any indicated studies should be performed. Based upon the examination results and a review of the record, the examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that any currently present skin disability had its onset during the Veteran’s active service or is otherwise etiologically related to service, to include the Veteran’s exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The examiner should specifically address August 1974 STR indicating complaint of and treatment for a blister on the nose The rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided. 5. Confirm that the VA examination report and any opinions provided comport with this remand, and undertake any other development found to be warranted. 6. Then, readjudicate the remaining issue on appeal. If the decision is adverse to the Veteran, issue a supplemental statement of the case and allow appropriate time for response. Then, return the case to the Board. Kristin Haddock Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD Mariah N. Sim, Associate Counsel