Citation Nr: 21065681 Decision Date: 10/27/21 Archive Date: 10/27/21 DOCKET NO. 19-23 671 DATE: October 27, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for tinea cruris (claimed as skin condition), to include as due to exposure to herbicides is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for hemochromatosis, to include as secondary to a skin condition and/or exposure to herbicides, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from January 1966 to January 1969. The Veteran is the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, among other awards. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides is conceded. These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2017 rating decision by an Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The issues of entitlement to service connection for tinea cruris and entitlement to service connection for hemochromatosis are remanded for additional development. The Veteran asserts that his tinea cruris is due to exposure to herbicides and that his hemochromatosis is secondary to his tinea cruris or is itself due to exposure to herbicides. The Veteran underwent a VA skin examination in July 2017. The VA examiner noted the Veteran's diagnosis of tinea cruris and that a skin condition was noted on the Veteran's 1968 separation examination. The VA examiner also noted the Veteran was diagnosed with hemochromatosis in 2005 after a liver biopsy, and multiple other skin conditions at various times. The VA examiner did not diagnose current hemochromatosis, and opined that no currently diagnosed skin condition was due to the in-service finding of tinea cruris or hemochromatosis. The examiner did not, however, discuss the allegation of a nexus to herbicide exposure. See Combee v. Brown, 34 F.3d 1039 (Fed. Cir. 1994). On remand, addendum opinions as to the etiology of the Veteran's tinea cruris and hemochromatosis should be obtained. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Return the file to the VA examiner who provided the July 2017 skin diseases examination. The file must be thoroughly reviewed by the examiner. If the examiner is not available, another appropriate medical professional may be consulted. If the reviewer determines another VA examination is necessary, one should be scheduled. The examiner must opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that any currently diagnosed skin disorder is caused or aggravated by active service. Exposure to herbicides, the diagnosis of a skin condition at separation, and the Veteran's competent lay reports of symptoms during and since service must be discussed. A complete rationale for all opinions expressed is required. 2. Schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed hemochromatosis. The claims file must be reviewed in conjunction with the examination. The examiner must opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not that hemochromatosis is caused or aggravated by service or a service-connected disability. Exposure to herbicides, the diagnosis of a skin condition at separation, and the Veteran's competent lay reports of symptoms during and since service must be discussed. A full and complete rationale for all opinions expressed is required. 3. Then, readjudicate the remanded issues. If the benefits sought remain denied, the Veteran should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case. The case should then be returned to the Board for appellate review if otherwise in order. WILLIAM H. DONNELLY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Margaret M. Lunger, 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.