Citation Nr: 20003107 Decision Date: 01/14/20 Archive Date: 01/14/20 DOCKET NO. 19-21 760 DATE: January 14, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for a right eye condition, to include residuals of a tumor.   REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from June 1966 to April 1968. The claim is on appeal from a November 2016 rating decision. In October 2019, the Veteran testified at a Board hearing, at which time the record was held open for 60 days so that the Veteran could procure and submit additional evidence in support of his claim. As of this date, no additional evidence has been received from the Veteran. Service connection for a right eye condition, to include residuals of a tumor. The Veteran contends that a tumor that developed behind his right eye, and later removed, was a result of exposure to herbicides or increased UV radiation while stationed in Vietnam. He states he continues to suffer from the removal of the tumor, and is virtually blind in his right eye. The Veteran’s service treatment records (STRs) are silent as to complaints or treatment for the right eye; however, his service personnel records (SPRs) confirm “on-land” service in Vietnam with presumed exposure to herbicide agents, such as Agent Orange. VA medical records indicate a history of removal of a tumor in the right eye sometime in the mid-1980s. There is also a diagnosis of cataracts and “near total impairment” of the right eye. The Veteran has not yet been afforded a VA examination in connection with his claim. Given the Veteran’s statements, presumed exposure to herbicides, and a history of right eye tumor removal, a VA examination is warranted to determine the etiology of the claimed condition and to clarify the nature and extent of the Veteran’s disorder. See McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). Further, at his October 2019 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that the tumor was removed at the Cleveland Clinic. The Veteran reported concerns that those records most likely “have been longed disposed” and are unavailable. However, it does not appear that those medical records have been sought or requested, and are potentially relevant to the Veteran’s claim. Any outstanding private treatment records should be requested on remand so that the adjudication of the Veteran’s claim is a fully informed one. See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A; 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c). In light of the remand, updated VA treatment records should be obtained. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Ask the Veteran to identify any private treatment providers relevant to his right eye condition, including the Cleveland Clinic, and to provide authorization to VA to request the records. Request any so identified records. 2. Obtain updated VA treatment records dated since November 2018. 3. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an appropriate medical professional. The entire claims file must be reviewed by the examiner. The examiner is to conduct all indicated tests. The examiner is to first determine whether the Veteran has a current right eye disorder, to include residuals of a tumor. Then the examiner is asked to provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent or greater probability) that any right eye disorder had its onset during service, or within the initial year after service, or, is otherwise related to service, to include exposure to herbicides or UV radiation. (Continued on the next page)   The examiner should provide rationale for all opinions expressed, including by citing to the record. RYAN T. KESSEL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board S. Morford, 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.