Citation Nr: 18151477
Decision Date: 11/19/18	Archive Date: 11/19/18

DOCKET NO. 12-09 058
DATE:	November 19, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service from June 1947 to June 1967. The Veteran died in April 2010. The appellant is the Veteran’s spouse.
The appellant contends that the Veteran’s death is etiologically related to either asbestos exposure in service or to radiation exposure. With regard to the theory of asbestos exposure, the evidence reflects that the Veteran served as an electrician while in service, specifically an aircraft electrician navigation equipment technician/repairman. Treatment records dated just prior to the Veteran’s death reflect that he was diagnosed with metastatic-squamous cell carcinoma located near the L1 vertebra. One record stated that the exact origin of the cancer was not known, but the lung was an option. Another record stated that the Veteran had recently been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, and also noted a history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The Veteran’s death certificate states that he died of cancer of the lung. Given that lung cancer is a disease that has been associated with asbestos exposure, the Board finds that a VA opinion should be obtained to determine the etiology of the Veteran’s terminal cancer. On remand, given the lack of treatment records related to the Veteran’s respiratory illness, the appellant should be provided the opportunity to identify any further records supportive of this claim.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Ask the appellant to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for any treatment related to the Veteran’s respiratory disorders or asbestos-related disorders prior to his death. Make two requests for the authorized records from any identified physician, unless it is clear after the first request that a second request would be futile.
2. After completion of the above, schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s terminal lung cancer, diagnosed as metastatic-squamous cell carcinoma. The examiner must opine whether the Veteran’s terminal cancer is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including possible exposure to asbestos while working as an electrician. 
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A complete rationale must be provided for all opinions offered.
 
M.E. Larkin
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	R. Erdheim, Counsel