Citation Nr: 18153756
Decision Date: 11/28/18	Archive Date: 11/28/18

DOCKET NO. 15-14 793
DATE:	November 28, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to contained water at Camp Lejeune is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to contained water at Camp Lejeune is remanded.
The Veteran served on active duty from August 1958 to August 1962, including service at Camp Lejeune.  In connection with his claim, an October 2012 VA examination and May 2013 VA opinion were obtained. 
The October 2012 VA examination noted a diagnosis of severe sensorimotor axonal and demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy.  In May 2013 etiology opinion, the provider listed the relevant evidence in the record.  She noted that epidemiologic studies of humans exposed to solvents in the Camp Lejeune drinking water have not shown a statistically significant association between solvents and neurologic endpoints.  In addition, the opinion provider noted there was insufficient scientific evidence to support causality between neuropathy and the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.  As such, the opinion provider concluded the Veteran’s neuropathy was not caused by his exposure to contaminated water. 
The Board finds the May 2013 VA opinion to be inadequate.  The opinion provider noted there was not a statically significant link between the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and neurologic endpoints, however, the 2009 National Research Council report on the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune found suggestive evidence of a link between the contaminated water and neurobehavioral effects. In addition, the opinion provider noted there was not sufficient scientific evidence to support causality between neuropathy and the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.  However, the opinion provider did not indicate why this precludes the possibility of this specific Veteran’s neuropathy being etiologically related to his active service to include his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. In addition, the opinion provider did not adequately address the articles submitted by the Veteran that discuss the relationship between exposure to toxins and neuropathy. As such, a new VA opinion is needed on remand.   
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s peripheral polyneuropathy is at least as likely as not related to his active service, to include as due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.  
The examiner must consider and discuss as necessary the articles submitted by the Veteran discussing the relationship between toxins and neuropathy. 
 
If a new VA examination is needed in order to properly adjudicate the claim, a new examination should be arranged. 
 
M.E. Larkin
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	C. Biggins, Associate Counsel