Citation Nr: 18102001
Decision Date: 05/11/18	Archive Date: 05/11/18

DOCKET NO. 14-06 817
DATE:	May 11, 2018
REMANDED ISSUES
1. Entitlement to service connection for a neurological condition of the upper extremities is remanded
2.  Entitlement to service connection for a neurological condition of the lower extremities is remanded.
The Veteran served on active duty from March 1969 to January 1973.  
The Veteran contends that his upper and lower extremity disabilities are related to an illness he had in Okinawa.   A June 2003 VA treatment record shows that the Veteran reported a history of febrile illness and chills during service.  In a February 2010 statement, the Veteran reported that he witnessed a cargo plane crash during service and was exposed to jet fuel when he attempted to assist the crew of the plane.  In July 2010, the RO confirmed the plane crash incident reported by the Veteran.
The Veteran further contends that a hand tremor started during service.  A March 2012 lay statement from the Veteran’s brother noted that the Veteran had a noticeable tremor after he got out of the Air Force.  
Service treatment records reflect complaints of leg swelling.  A July 1969 entry in the service treatment records noted right leg swelling after an auto accident.  A June 1971 entry shows that the Veteran reported persistent leg swelling and back pain.  At his separation examination in April 1973, the Veteran also reported leg cramps.       
Post-service treatment records reflect various diagnoses of the upper extremities, including essential tremor, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Raynaud’s syndrome.  Post-service diagnoses of the lower extremities include chronic neuropathic pain, neuropathy, and radiculopathy.    
The Board finds that a VA examination is warranted for the claims.  Generally, VA must provide a VA examination when there is evidence of (1) a current disability, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, (3) some indication that the claimed disability may be associated with the established event, injury, or disease, and (4) insufficient competent evidence of record for VA to make a decision.  See McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006).  As the Veteran has not been afforded a VA medical opinion regarding this claims and it would assist in adjudicating the claims, the Veteran should be afforded a VA medical examination and opinion. 
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any neurological condition of the upper extremities.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not that a current neurological condition of the upper extremities (1) began during active service, (2) manifested within a year after discharge from service, or (3) was noted during service with continuity of the same symptomatology since service.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including fuel exposure in service.  
2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any neurological condition of the lower extremities.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not that a current neurological condition of the lower extremities (1) began during active service, (2) manifested within a year after discharge from service, or (3) was noted during service with continuity of the same symptomatology since service.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including fuel exposure in service.  
 
JENNIFER HWA
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Catherine Cykowski