Citation Nr: 19155014 Decision Date: 07/16/19 Archive Date: 07/16/19 DOCKET NO. 18-46 460 DATE: July 16, 2019 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for the residuals of malaria is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active military service from July 1969 to July 1971. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an August 2015 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). 1. Entitlement to service connection for malaria is remanded. The Board’s review of the claims file reveals that further action on the claim of entitlement to service connection for the residuals of malaria is needed. The Veteran argues that he contracted malaria in service and as a result of the malaria he continues to have cold and hot sweats, dizziness, enormous appetite, and fatigue. See December 2014 VA 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim. A review of the service treatment records shows that the Veteran was given malaria pills in service. See November 1971 STR – Medical. The Veteran was given “4th med” in April 1970. See October 2015 Medical Treatment Record – Government Facility. In May 1970, the Veteran was noted to have spiked temperature for three days; recurrent fever for three days; lightheadedness; headaches; and some vomiting for two days. The Veteran was taking malaria pills regularly but was not officially diagnosed with malaria. Based on the evidence of record, the Board finds that the VA’s duty to assist has been triggered and as such a VA examination should be afforded to the Veteran. The VA examiner must determine whether the May 1970 record shows that the Veteran likely contracted malaria and whether his current reported symptoms of cold and hot sweats, dizziness, enormous appetite, and fatigue are residuals from any in-service malaria. Accordingly, the Board finds that a remand is warranted. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: Arrange for a VA examination from an appropriately qualified examiner to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s claim for service connection for the residuals of malaria. The claims file, including a copy of this remand, must be made available to be reviewed by the examiner. A record of the review of the claims file should be documented in the examination report. All indicated diagnostic tests should also be completed. The examiner must provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that any residuals of malaria had their onset in service or are otherwise etiologically related to service. The examiner should address the May 1970 record wherein the Veteran’s recurrent fever, lightheadedness, headaches, and vomiting were treated with malaria pills. A detailed rationale for all opinions must be provided. If the examiner is unable to offer the requested opinion, it is essential that the examiner offer a rationale for the conclusion that an opinion could not be provided without resort to speculation, together with a statement as to whether there is additional evidence that could enable an opinion to be provided, or whether the inability to provide the opinion is based on the limits of medical knowledge. S. HENEKS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD P. Noh, Associate Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.