Citation Nr: 21074315
Decision Date: 12/14/21	Archive Date: 12/14/21

DOCKET NO. 18-06 014
DATE: December 14, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for hypothyroidism.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran contends that she is entitled to service connection for hypothyroidism due to in-service radiation exposure. Specifically, she asserts that she was exposed to radiation from X-rays performed during dental procedures. 

In support of the claim, the Veteran has submitted medical opinions from a private physician and private physician assistant which opined that hypothyroidism was due to radiation exposure; however, no opinion has been provided by a dental clinician familiar with the procedures that the Veteran underwent during active duty. Accordingly, a remand is needed for clarification. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain all outstanding, pertinent VA treatment records up to the present and associate them with the claims file. 

2. Direct the claims file to a dental professional to address the etiology of the Veteran's hypothyroidism. The clinician is asked to address the following: 

	Is it at least as likely as not (probability of 50 percent or more) that the Veteran's hypothyroidism is related to in-service exposure to radiation during dental treatment. 

A complete rationale should be provided for any opinion offered. 

3. If the clinician determines that an examination is necessary in order to provide the requested opinions, then one should be scheduled.

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	T. Kokolas, 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.