Citation Nr: 18147524
Decision Date: 11/05/18	Archive Date: 11/05/18

DOCKET NO. 15-44 317
DATE:	November 5, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for a prostate disorder is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for a urinary disorder is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
As to the eyes, the Veteran contends that his current dry eye syndrome is the result of being exposed to dust and sand storms while serving as a military policeman; he has stated that although service treatment records are negative for such treatment, he began experiencing dry eyes during service.  The Veteran additionally attributes his current benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction to being exposed to various chemicals while serving in the Persian Gulf.  He has stated that exposure to such chemicals interfered with his endocrine systems, which caused hormone problems, which caused him to need testosterone supplements, which resulted in his prostate condition.  He has stated that although service treatment records are negative for such treatment, he began experiencing urinary frequency during service.  As the Veteran is competent to report experiencing dry eyes and urinary frequency in service, the Board finds that etiological VA examinations are warranted.
The Veteran alternatively contends that service connection for all claimed disorders should be granted pursuant to presumptive provisions relating to service in the Southwest Theater of Operations during the Persian Gulf War.  Although dry eye syndrome and benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction appear to be diagnosed disorders, and therefore not amenable to the presumptive provisions relating to undiagnosed illness, an opinion from a competent medical professional addressing this issue would be helpful.  See 38 U.S.C. § 1117(a)(2)(A), (B); 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2)(A),(B) (2017).  The examiner should also address whether the urinary symptoms associated with the Veteran’s prostate condition constitutes a separate disability or whether it is more appropriately characterized as a symptom of his prostate disorder.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1.  Schedule the Veteran for VA examinations as to the etiology of his eye, prostate and urinary disorders.  All necessary tests should be conducted.  The claims file should be reviewed by the examiner.
The examiner should first indicate whether the Veteran experiences any signs or symptoms of undiagnosed illness relating to the eyes, prostate and urinary system, that have not been attributed to a known clinical diagnosis.  If the Veteran’s signs or symptoms cannot be attributed to a known clinical diagnosis, the examiner should indicate if the symptoms have persisted for 6 months or more.  See 38 U.S.C. § 1117(a)(2)(A), (B); 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2)(A),(B).  
Then, as to any diagnosed eye, prostate and urinary disorder, the examiner should indicate whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that such disorder is related to or had its onset during any period of the Veteran’s military service.
A complete rationale should accompany any opinion provided.
2.  After completion of the above, readjudicate the claims.  If any benefit requested on appeal is not granted to the Veteran’s satisfaction, the appellant and his representative should be furnished a supplemental statement of the case, and provided an opportunity to respond.  The case should then be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration, if in order.
 
GAYLE STROMMEN
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Matthew Schlickenmaier, Counsel