Citation Nr: 18152179
Decision Date: 11/21/18	Archive Date: 11/21/18

DOCKET NO. 18-46 731
DATE:	November 21, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to squamous cell carcinoma, claimed as due to exposure to an herbicide agent is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the Army from August 1967 to August 1969, with service in the Republic of Vietnam.
These matters come before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a November 2016 rating decision.  
The Veteran claims that his squamous cell carcinoma is due to his military service, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Private medical records contain a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the left ear, involving temporal bone, parotid and upper neck.  His doctor has opined, with inclusion of some documentation, that herbicide exposure could play a role in the development of the Veteran’s cancer.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran and request a properly executed, VA form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs, for Dr. W.W.
Upon receipt of such, take appropriate action to contact Dr. W.W. and request complete treatment records.  The Veteran should be informed that in the alternative he may obtain and submit the records himself.
2.  Then, forward the claims file to a qualified VA doctor for review and rendering of a nexus opinion.  The reviewer must opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not currently diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma is related to military service, to include herbicide exposure.  The reviewer must discuss the opinion of Dr. W.W.  A complete rationale for all opinions expressed is required.
3.  Then, readjudicate the remanded issue.  If the benefit sought remains denied, the Veteran should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case.  The case should then be returned to the Board for appellate review if otherwise in order.  
 
WILLIAM H. DONNELLY
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	M. M. Lunger, Associate Counsel