Citation Nr: 21002944 Decision Date: 01/19/21 Archive Date: 01/19/21 DOCKET NO. 18-27 944 DATE: January 19, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a blood disorder, to include anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active service from September 1950 to July 1952. The Veteran died in February 2017, his surviving spouse is the substituted appellant. See September 2017 letter. The appellant and the appellant’s daughter testified before the undersigned at a hearing in December 2020. A transcript of the hearing has been associated with the file. Entitlement to service connection for a blood disorder, to include anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, is remanded. The appellant argues that the Veteran was exposed to chemicals in service, including benzene, and that his exposure to chemicals caused his subsequent blood disorder, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Specifically, the appellant argues that the exposure is due to his service in a chemical company producing smoke. The claims file shows that the Veteran served in the Chemical Corp. See DD 214. The record also includes photographs showing the Veteran with a smoke generating machine, pages from the Veteran’s journal identifying his unit and smoke generation, and articles indicating an increased risk of MDS with benzene exposure among petroleum workers. Another article show the Veteran’s unit was involved with burning napalm. To date, adequate attempts to identify the composition of the chemicals used to generate smoke have not been taken. The claim must be remanded for another medical opinion because a July 2017 VA opinion is inadequate. The provider said he was not in a position to comment on the Veteran’s exposure (length or intensity) to any organic compound, was not an expert in epidemiology, and was unable to comment on specific association (length and intensity) with napalm/benzene exposure typically seen in servicemen and the subsequent development of MDS. However, the opinion provider said it is likely as not that prolonged benzene exposure is associated with development of MDS in some patients. Thereafter, the provider relied upon the very long latency between the Veteran’s exposure and development of his disease. The opinion does not comment on the articles, reports of the actions of the Veteran’s unit, or the photograph of the Veteran associated with claims file. Therefore, the claim must be remanded for an adequate VA medical opinion. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.159. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Take all appropriate action to attempt to identify the chemical composition of the material used by the Veteran’s unit to generate smoke. Thereafter, obtain a medical opinion from an appropriate clinician (preferably one familiar with blood disorders) regarding whether any blood disorder, including anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is related to service, to include exposure to chemicals, including benzene and napalm. Copies of all pertinent records should be made available to the examiner for review. The examiner must address the following: Is it as least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran's blood disorder, including anemia and MDS, had its onset in service or is otherwise related to any incident of his active duty service, specifically to include as a result of exposure to chemicals, including benzene and napalm? In answering this, the examiner must specifically consider, and discuss as necessary, the following: (i) Photographs showing the Veteran with smoke generation. (ii) Articles associated with the claims file, including that discussing exposure to benzene and MDS. (iii) The medical opinion dated in July 2017. A complete rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions expressed. M.E. LARKIN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Robert J. Burriesci, 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.