Citation Nr: 20007652 Decision Date: 01/29/20 Archive Date: 01/29/20 DOCKET NO. 17-17 152 DATE: January 29, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for sarcoidosis due to asbestos and zinc chromate exposure is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from June 1946 to April 1948. He died in October 2017, and the appellant is the Veteran’s widow and the substitute-claimant in this appeal. This appeal comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) from a June 2016 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In September 2019, the appellant testified at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. During that hearing, the appellant waived initial RO consideration of newly submitted evidence. The appellant contends that the Veteran developed sarcoidosis as a result of exposure to asbestos and zinc chromate during his navy service. In previous statements, the Veteran reported that his daily duties aboard the U.S.S. Mathews included chipping paint and painting decks without the benefit of breathing protection. He asserted that the deck paint contained zinc chromate, a highly toxic carcinogenic. He further reported that he received a letter from the VA in 1948 asking him to report to a VA hospital. He reportedly arrived in January 1949, was put in a pulmonary ward, and given tests, but did not receive any results. Finally, he stated that he noticed a breathing problem around 1956, and X-rays showed scar tissue on his lungs. His breathing progressively worsened since then, until he underwent a blood test in 1979 that revealed sarcoidosis. The Board notes that attempts to obtain treatment records in 1948 and 1956 were unsuccessful. Given the Veteran’s allegations that he was exposed to asbestos and zinc chromate while serving in the Navy, his diagnosis of sarcoidosis, and the fact that the Veteran was never provided a VA examination, the Board finds that a VA opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s sarcoidosis is warranted. McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006). Prior to obtaining a VA opinion, the RO should take any necessary action to develop the appellant’s claim of asbestos and zinc chromate exposure during the Veteran’s service. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Undertake any necessary action to develop the appellant’s claim of asbestos and zinc chromate exposure during service. This must include a request to Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) for records relating to asbestos and zinc chromate on the ships identified by the Veteran: U.S.S. Mathews (AKA 96) and U.S.S. Bayfield (APA 33). 2. Then, obtain an opinion from an appropriate VA examiner to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s diagnosed sarcoidosis. All relevant documents must be made available to the examiner for review of pertinent documents. The examination report should specifically state that such a review was conducted. The examiner should provide an opinion as to whether the Veteran’s diagnosis of sarcoidosis was related to his naval service, to include as due to exposure to asbestos and zinc chromate while stationed on the U.S.S. Mathews and/or the U.S.S. Bayfield. The examiner must provide a comprehensive explanation for all opinions provided. 3. Then, readjudicate the issue on appeal. If the decision is adverse to the appellant, issue a supplemental statement of the case and allow appropriate time for response. Then, return the case to the Board. Kristin Haddock Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Roya Bahrami 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.