Citation Nr: 18146693
Decision Date: 11/01/18	Archive Date: 10/31/18

DOCKET NO. 16-28 752
DATE:	November 1, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.
The Veteran’s medical treatment records show a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.  In October 2015 correspondence, the Veteran asserts that his diabetes was caused by in-service exposure to cold weather in Cherry Point, North Carolina.  His military personnel record confirms his service in Cherry Point.  It is certainly reasonable that the Veteran had some degree of exposure to cold temperatures during his service. As there is evidence of a current disability, an in-service event, and an indication that the two may be linked, the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination.  See McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006).
Reference is made to the Veteran’s assertion that he was exposed to herbicide agents in Cherry Point.  He also claims that his diabetes mellitus is due to his consumption of contaminated water while stationed at Camp LeJeune. In this regard, the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune applies to those who served no less than 30-days between August 1, 1953, and 

December 31, 1987, and that the Veteran’s service at Camp LeJeune was in 1951. It is also noted that there is no presumption of exposure to herbicide agents based on service at Cherry Point, and that the Veteran has not otherwise provided evidence pertaining to his alleged exposure to herbicide agents. For these reasons, development of the Veteran’s appeal is being limited.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus.  The examiner must acknowledge review of the pertinent evidence of record, including the Veteran’s reports of symptom manifestation.  All necessary examinations, tests, and studies should be conducted.  
The examiner should address the following:
Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s diabetes mellitus had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, including in-service cold weather exposure?
Rationale for the requested opinion shall be provided.  If the examiner cannot provide an opinion without resorting to mere speculation, provide an explanation stating why this is so.  In so doing, the examiner shall explain 



whether the inability to provide a more definitive opinion is the result of a need for additional information or the limits of current medical knowledge with respect to the question.
 
 MICHAEL A. HERMAN
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	M. Alhinnawi, Associate Counsel