Citation Nr: 21067786
Decision Date: 11/05/21	Archive Date: 11/05/21

DOCKET NO. 19-22 270
DATE: November 5, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for diabetic nephropathy is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from August 1971 to June 1975.  This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from a February 2018 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

This appeal has been advanced on the Board's docket pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 7107(a)(2); 38 C.F.R. § 20.902(c).

1. Entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

3. Entitlement to service connection for diabetic nephropathy is remanded.

4. Entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease is remanded.

The Board finds that remand is required to obtain an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's service connection claim for hepatitis C.

In this regard, the Veteran asserts that his in-service hospitalization for pharyngitis and various clinic visits for viral illnesses were manifestations of undiagnosed hepatitis C.  In February 2018, a VA examiner opined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was less likely than not caused by jet gun vaccinations he received during service.  However, the examiner did not address whether the Veteran's hospitalization for pharyngitis in November 1971 and clinic visits for viral illnesses during service were manifestations of undiagnosed hepatitis C, or whether other identifiable risk factors are shown in service treatment records.

The Board also finds that the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and coronary artery disease on a secondary basis are intertwined with the hepatitis C claim and must also be remanded.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Provide the claims file to a VA examiner to obtain      an opinion concerning the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C.  If an examination is deemed necessary to respond the questions, one should be scheduled.  After review of the claims file, the examiner should provide an opinion as to the following:

What is the likelihood (more likely, at least as likely as not, or less likely) that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service, to include in-service immunizations from an air gun?

The examiner should address whether the Veteran's hospitalization for pharyngitis in November 1971 and his various visits for viral illnesses during service were likely manifestations of undiagnosed hepatitis C, or whether other identifiable risk factors are shown in service treatment records. A rationale for all opinions expressed should be provided.

2. If a favorable decision is issued on the claim for hepatitis, conduct appropriate development to address   the claims for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and coronary artery disease on a secondary basis.

3. If the claims remain denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case, as appropriate.

 

 

K. A. BANFIELD

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	A. Lance, Associate 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.