Citation Nr: 20021663 Decision Date: 03/26/20 Archive Date: 03/26/20 DOCKET NO. 16-38 895 DATE: March 26, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (PN), to include due to herbicide agent exposure is remanded. Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (PN), to include due to herbicide agent exposure is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United states Air Force from October 1966 to October 1970, with service in Vietnam. 1. Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (PN), to include due to herbicide agent exposure is remanded. 2. Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (PN), to include due to herbicide agent exposure is remanded. The Veteran and his representative assert that the Veteran’s bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is due to his conceded exposure to herbicide agent (Agent Orange) while serving in Vietnam. To date, the Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to assist him in his claim. Under McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006), a medical examination or medical opinion is necessary in a claim for service connection when there is (1) competent evidence of a current disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability, (2) evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease occurred in service or establishing certain diseases manifesting during an applicable presumptive period for which the claimant qualifies, and (3) an indication that the disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability may be associated with the Veteran’s service or with another service-connected disability, but (4) insufficient competent medical evidence on file for the Secretary to make a decision on the claim. See also 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c)(4)(i). Thus, the Board requires a medical opinion addressing the Veteran’s assertion that his peripheral neuropathy is a result of his exposure to herbicide agent in Vietnam. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of his left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. If at all possible, schedule the Veteran for an examination close to his residence. (Continued on the next page)   The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including his conceded exposure to herbicide agent (Agent Orange). The examiner must also opine whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, a chronic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.307, 3.309, manifested within the presumptive period after discharge from service. T. REYNOLDS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board L. Nelson 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.