Citation Nr: 18154981
Decision Date: 12/04/18	Archive Date: 12/03/18

DOCKET NO. 16-56 822
DATE:	December 4, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for heart disease, to include as due to herbicide exposure is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from June 1971 to June 1991 in the United States Air Force.
Entitlement to service connection for a heart condition, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is remanded.
The Veteran contends that he was exposed to herbicide agents during service in Thailand at U-Tapao Air Base.  More information is needed before the Board can make a fully informed decision.  To date the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) has made two determinations, in June and October 2016 memos, that there is insufficient factual evidence to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand or to request further developemnet and a finding from the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).

However, the Board finds that these AOJ memos did not adequately take into account the Veteran’s competent reports that his duties required him to work at the end of the U-Tapao’s runway.  The Vetearn contends that at these times he was working near the perimeter fence.
If herbicide exposure is confirmed the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature of any diagnosed heart disability.  The medical evidence includes diagnoses of hypertension and findings of atrial fibrilation, but no VA examiner has opined whether any currently diagnosed heart condition is etiologically related to any confirmed in-service herbicide exposure.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1.  Attempt to verify the Veteran’s asserted in-service exposure to herbicide agents.  If more details are needed, contact the Veteran to request the information.  If there is still insufficient information to verify exposure to herbicide agents, issue a Formal Finding outlining the steps taken to assist the Veteran and notify the Veteran of VA's inability to verify the in-service herbicide agent exposure.  Specifically, consider the Veteran’s competent reports of working at the end of the runway and proximity to the perimeter fence at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand.
2.  After completion of the above, if and only if herbicide exposure is conceded, schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any heart condition.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to any confirmed in-service herbicide agent exposure.
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A complete rationale must be provided for any opinion offered.
 
M.E. Larkin
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	P.S. McLeod