Citation Nr: 18146631 Decision Date: 10/31/18 Archive Date: 10/31/18 DOCKET NO. 17-43 926 DATE: October 31, 2018 REMANDED The issue of service connection for a pulmonary disorder is remanded. The issue of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is remanded. The issue of service connection for skin cancer is remanded. REFERRED The issues of service connection for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), night terrors, and loss of sleep were raised on a June 2018 Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ) and are referred to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for adjudication. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served in the U.S. Air Force from March 1962 to March 1966. 1. The issue of service connection for a pulmonary disorder is remanded. 2. The issue of service connection for CAD is remanded. 3. The issue of service connection for skin cancer is remanded. The Veteran has asserted that his claimed disorders were caused by in service exposure to herbicide agents. He stated that he went on missions to Thailand and was at the perimeter of Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAFB). Although the DD Form 214 states that the Veteran had no foreign service, he had a passport stating that he was “abroad on an official assignment for the United States government,” had a top secret clearance, went on classified missions, performed duties at “bases throughout the Far East,” and had foreign service of “TDY 7 dys frm 26 Jan 66-2 Feb 66.” He has provided the names of specific servicemembers who were in Thailand with him and the tail number of a specific airplane that was at the base there. Remand is necessary to complete additional research and obtain any and all available records relevant to the claim. Additionally, in February 2014, the Veteran completed two Authorizations for Release of Information (VA Form 21-4142) for Dr. J. H. and Dr. H. L. There is no indication in the record that VA has attempted to obtain the treatment records from these physicians. Remand is necessary to attempt to obtain the records. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Request private treatment records from (1) Dr. J. H. and (2) Dr. H. L. 2. Contact the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Department of Defense, and/or any other agency that might have relevant records that verify the Veteran’s contention that he went on missions to Thailand and was at the perimeter of the RTAFB. This includes, but is not limited to, obtaining any now declassified records, unit histories, information about named missions, information about the travel locations of named servicemembers, information about the travel history of specifically identified airplanes, and travel orders. All attempts to obtain records should be associated with the file. Documentation of all research completed should be associated with the file. Attention is drawn to the following: *SPRs stating “TDY 7 dys frm 26 Jan 66-2 Feb 66” under “foreign service summary” and stating that the Veteran had a top secret clearance. VBMS Entry 8/30/2014, p. 3, 4. *Passport for the Veteran issued in September 1963 stating that “the bearer is abroad on an official assignment for the United States government.” VBMS Entry 9/9/2014. *SPR stating that the Veteran was granted an interim top secret clearance in September 1963. VBMS Entry 6/23/2017, p. 5. *August 1963 record stating that the Veteran’s records needed to be reviewed for a security clearance. VBMS Entry 2/19/2014, p. 30. *March 1964, December 1964, and December 1965 SPRs stating that the Veteran participated in the classified “Twin Bed Hotel” project, that he was TDY on a classified mission, and that he participated in the classified operation “Magic Muscle.” VBMS Entry 2/19/2014, p. 14, 17, 20. *September 1964 Request and Authorization for Temporary Duty Travel of Military Personnel for the Veteran to BDAS with the 70th Orgl Maintenance Sq (SAC) for duty as an aircraft mechanic and requiring a top secret clearance. VBMS Entry 4/23/2014. *August 1965 letter to the Veteran stating that he was in the 902nd Air Refueling Squadron, that he was in the 70th Bombardment Wing, that he participated in Operation “Twin Bed Hotel,” and that he was commended for his performance of duty at “the bases throughout the Far East.” VBMS Entry 10/29/2013. *January 1965 SPR stating that the Veteran had been cleared for flying from “SUAM,” hospital code 7318. VBMS Entry 6/23/2017, p. 1. *February 1966 SPR stating that the Veteran had been cleared for flying from “SUAM,” hospital code 3759. VBMS Entry 2/19/2014, p. 18. *October 2013 statement from the Veteran reiterating that he was in the 902nd Air Refueling Squadron (70th Bombardment Wing Strategic Air Command) and stating that he was there 3 times. *April 2014 statement from the Veteran had that he was exposed to herbicide agents “at the 70th Orgal Maint Squadron—deployed to Thailand in support of CIA Ops with KC135 refueling US aircraft (maintenance capacity).” He reported that he was deployed there twice—once for 45 days and once for 30 days. *April 2014 statement from the Veteran that he had a top secret clearance and pointing out that one service record shows foreign service of 7 days but then his DD214 shows no foreign service. He reported additional foreign service that was not reflected in any of his records. *August 2014 statement from the Veteran that several TDY assignments were missing from his record, including assignments in Southeast Asia and in Rota, Spain. *September 2014 statement from the Veteran that when he was at a RTAFB, there was a KC135 stratotanker with tail number 8033 and other servicemembers G., J.M., and H. were there. He also reported picking up Colonel C. on their way to Thailand and that the pilot was Captain W. *June 2015 Correspondence and statement from the Veteran indicating that he worked on C123 aircraft. *April 2016 statement from the Veteran that he was involved in classified missions “Operation Twin Bed” and “Operation Flying Tiger.” He also reiterated the names of the servicemembers who traveled with him Technical Sergeant G., Airman J. M., Airman H., Colonel C., and Major W. *June 2017 Correspondence from the Veteran describing his travel to and service in Thailand. *August 2017 statement from the Veteran that he had been given a clothing allowance for duty in Thailand because he had to “operate out of standard uniform.” *August 2017 Congressional contact where the Veteran described his missions in Thailand. 3. After exhausting research avenues to verify the Veteran’s reports of service at the perimeter of RTAFB, complete any other development necessary to adjudication of the claims, including obtaining any VA examinations or medical opinions. 4. Readjudicate the issues on appeal. If any benefit sought on appeal remains denied, the Veteran should be provided a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). An appropriate period should be allowed for response before the case is returned to the Board. J. PARKER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD J. E. Miller, Associate Counsel