Citation Nr: 21000173 Decision Date: 01/04/21 Archive Date: 01/04/21 DOCKET NO. 20-07 892 DATE: January 4, 2021 REMANDED The claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer is remanded. The claim of entitlement to service connection for Parkinson’s disease is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from August 1959 to August 1962. This appeal is from an August 2018 rating decision. In November 2020, the Veteran had a personal hearing with the undersigned VLJ. 1. The claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer is remanded. 2. The claim of entitlement to service connection for Parkinson’s disease is remanded. The Veteran asserts that his claimed disabilities are related to toxic exposure during service. He reports that he believes he was sprayed with Agent Orange, but that he is not sure what it was, and it could have been another toxic substance. He has also submitted information regarding Fort Dix, which is a “Superfund” site, and regarding the toxic substances stored there during his service. It does not appear that this claim has been properly developed regarding his asserted exposures. In regard to herbicide exposure, the AOJ (agency of original jurisdiction) must take the appropriate steps to obtain information regarding whether there is a record of herbicide use at Fort Dix in August through November of 1959. He has provided information regarding this exposure that could be used to seek verification of his contended herbicide exposure. To that end, it does not appear that the Veteran’s complete personnel file has been obtained. As mentioned, he has also provided information of known toxic substances stored at the base while he was stationed there. Accordingly, a medical opinion regarding whether these exposures caused his disabilities must be obtained. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain updated VA treatment records. 2. Take the appropriate actions to develop the Veteran’s exposure to herbicides while serving in Fort Dix, in approximately August, September, October, of November 1959. He asserts that an oily substance was sprayed from a plane and got on his skin. He was never told what it was. 3. Obtain the Veteran’s service personnel records. 4. After completion of the above directives, forward the claims file to an appropriate examiner qualified to opine on matters regarding toxic exposures for a report on whether it is as likely as not (50/50 probability or greater) that Parkinson’s disease and/or prostate cancer are related to exposure to toxic substances while serving at Fort Dix, a Superfund site, in the fall of 1959. At the present time, the record shows he was there from August to October 1959, but his personnel records, once obtained, may show additional time. The examiner is asked to conduct an appropriate search of the relevant literature prior to opining. The examiner is asked to review the literature the Veteran submitted regarding the levels of various substances. The examiner is asked to consider whether the Veteran’s development of both prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease is indicative, on an as likely as not basis, of exposure to toxic substances. All opinions must be supported with an explanation. It is up to the discretion of the examiner as to whether a physical examination is also required to render an opinion. If so, the examiner is asked to so notify the scheduling authority. Nathaniel J. Doan Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Gibson 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.