Citation Nr: 20004814
Decision Date: 01/21/20	Archive Date: 01/21/20

DOCKET NO. 18-16 825
DATE: January 21, 2020

REMANDED

1. Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, to include as due to exposure to herbicides is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for multiple joint pain is remanded.

3. Entitlement to service connection for hypercholesterolemia is remanded.

4. Entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Army from June 1969 to May 1972.

These matters come before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from March 2016 and May 2017 rating decisions by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

Per his March 2018 VA Form 9, the Veteran requested a Board hearing on the matter of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.  However, per correspondence received in July 2019, he stated he wished to cancel his requested Board hearing.  Accordingly, the Board finds the hearing request to be withdrawn. 

Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, to include as due to exposure to herbicides; entitlement to service connection for multiple joint pain; entitlement to service connection for hypercholesterolemia; and entitlement to service connection for PTSD are remanded.

Upon review of the record, it appears the Veteran is in receipt of Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.  However, such records have not been associated with the claims file.  Accordingly, SSA records, as well as updated treatment records, should be obtained upon remand.

The matters are REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Request all documents pertaining to any application by the Veteran for SSA disability benefits, including the medical records considered in deciding the claim.

2. Ask the Veteran to provide the names and addresses of all medical care providers who have recently treated him for his claimed disability, to include any nursing home treatment records from The Veteran’s House in Puerto Rico.  After securing any necessary releases, the AOJ should request any relevant records identified.  In addition, obtain updated VA treatment records.  If any requested records are unavailable, the Veteran and his representative should be notified of such.

 

 

MICHELLE P. KATZ

Acting Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	S. Medina, 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.