Citation Nr: 18149684
Decision Date: 11/13/18	Archive Date: 11/13/18

DOCKET NO. 16-48 480
DATE:	November 13, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for contact dermatitis is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service from July 1968 to August 1972.  
The Veteran’s active service included service in the Republic of Vietnam; therefore, he is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents, to include Agent Orange.
Entitlement to Service Connection for Contact Dermatitis Is Remanded
The Veteran contends that he developed contact dermatitis during active service and has had recurrent bouts of contact dermatitis since his separation from active service.  The Veteran’s service treatment records, to include a July 1972 Report of Medical History, are silent for complaints of or treatment for skin conditions.  In his August 2015 Notice of Disagreement, the Veteran stated that he never sought treatment for a skin condition from a doctor while on active service.  The Veteran reported that a VA physician indicated that his dermatitis is the result of his presumed herbicide agent exposure.  In his September 2016 VA Form 9, Substantive Appeal, the Veteran identified the VA physician responsible for the positive nexus opinion to be the examiner responsible for the March 2015 VA examination.  Unfortunately, the March 2015 VA examination report does not include the examiner’s opinion.  Accordingly, an addendum opinion is necessary.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the March 2015 VA examination concerning the etiology of the Veteran’s contact dermatitis.  If the March 2015 examiner is not available, schedule a full VA examination with an appropriate clinician.  Either examiner must provide an opinion on whether contact dermatitis is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents.  

 
J.N. MOATS
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Douglas M. Humphrey, Associate Counsel