Citation Nr: 18151767
Decision Date: 11/20/18	Archive Date: 11/20/18

DOCKET NO. 16-41 885
DATE:	November 20, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for benign thyroid nodule, as secondary to service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, is remanded.
REFERRED
The issue of entitlement to service connection for dry mouth/teeth cavities was raised in the December 2014 notice of disagreement (NOD) and is referred to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for adjudication.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active duty from June 1977 to May 1979.
1. Entitlement to service connection for benign thyroid nodule, as secondary to service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, is remanded.
The Veteran asserts that his benign thyroid nodule is secondary to service-connected squamous cell carcinoma.  Specifically, the Veteran asserts that the nodule increased in size after his radiation therapy.  See October 2013 NOD; August 2016 VA Form 9.  The Veteran was afforded a VA examination in June 2013.  The examiner opined that the Veteran’s benign thyroid nodule was not caused by the Veteran’s service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils.  However, the examiner did not address aggravation.  Thus, an addendum opinion is warranted.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Return the claims file to examiner who provided the June 2013 opinion (or another examiner if unavailable), to provide an addendum opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e., probability of 50 percent or greater) that the Veteran’s benign thyroid nodule was aggravated (i.e., permanently worsened beyond the natural progression) by his service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils.
The examiner is asked to explain the reasons behind any opinions expressed and conclusions reached.
2. Readjudicate the appeal. 
 
R. FEINBERG
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	J.A. Williams, Associate Counsel