Citation Nr: 18149319 Decision Date: 11/09/18 Archive Date: 11/09/18 DOCKET NO. 13-15 954 DATE: November 9, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for depression is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for elevated glucose is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for medial epicondylitis is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for sinus bradycardia is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for a back disorder is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for cholesterol is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for a prostate disorder is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for tinea corporis is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for hyperlipidemia is dismissed. Entitlement to service connection for arthralgia/arthritis is dismissed. REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder is remanded. FINDING OF FACT On May 21, 2018, prior to the promulgation of a decision in the appeal, the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal as to the issues of entitlement to service connection for depression, elevated glucose, medial epicondylitis, sinus bradycardia, a back disorder, cholesterol, a prostate disorder, tinea corporis, hyperlipidemia, and arthralgia/arthritis. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for withdrawal of an appeal as to the issues of service connection for depression, elevated glucose, medial epicondylitis, sinus bradycardia, a back disorder, cholesterol, a prostate disorder, tinea corporis, hyperlipidemia, and arthralgia/arthritis have been met. 38 U.S.C. § 7105 (2012); 38 C.F.R. § 20.204 (2018). (CONTINUED NEXT PAGE) REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION 1. Entitlement to service connection for depression, elevated glucose, medial epicondylitis, sinus bradycardia, a back disorder, cholesterol, a prostate disorder, tinea corporis, hyperlipidemia, and arthralgia/arthritis. The Board may dismiss any appeal which fails to allege specific error of fact or law in the determination being appealed. 38 U.S.C. § 7105. An appeal may be withdrawn as to any or all issues involved in the appeal at any time before the Board promulgates a decision. 38 C.F.R. § 20.204. Withdrawal may be made by the veteran or by his or her authorized representative. 38 C.F.R. § 20.204. The Veteran perfected his appeal for service connection for depression, elevated glucose, medial epicondylitis, sinus bradycardia, a back disorder, cholesterol, a prostate disorder, tinea corporis, hyperlipidemia, and arthralgia/arthritis in June 2013. In May 2018 correspondence, he requested that these issues be withdrawn from appeal. There remain no allegations of errors of fact or law for appellate consideration with respect to the aforementioned issues. Accordingly, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal and it is dismissed. REASONS FOR REMAND 2. Entitlement to service connection for hypertension and a headache disorder is remanded. The Veteran asserts that he has hypertension related to in-service herbicide agent exposure or secondary to his service-connected PTSD. He also contends that he has a headache disorder related to in-service herbicide agent exposure. His medical treatment records reflect ongoing treatment for hypertension and a diagnosis of tension headaches. See October 2018 CAPRI Records. The Veteran’s DD-214 indicates service in Vietnam, and his service treatment records note severe headaches and a seemingly elevated (with respect to diastolic pressure) reading of 116/90 at separation. As there is evidence of current disabilities or symptoms, in-service symptomology, and an indication that they may be associated, the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension and headaches. 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: a. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that hypertension had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam? The examiner must also consider the clinical significance, if any, of the October 1968 blood pressure reading of 116/90 in the service treatment records. b. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that hypertension was caused or aggravated (worsened) by the Veteran’s service-connected by any service connected disability, to include his service connected PTSD? c. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that any diagnosed headache disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam? The examiner should consider the July 1968 notation of severe headaches. Rationale for the requested opinions 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