Citation Nr: 21005703 Decision Date: 02/02/21 Archive Date: 02/02/21 DOCKET NO. 16-51 439 DATE: February 2, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a lung condition, to include as due to exposure to asbestos, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served active duty in the United States Air Force from August 1965 to January 1969. In August 2019, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge at a Video Conference hearing. A copy of the transcript has been associated with the claims file. In November 2019, the Board remanded the appeal for further development. 1. Service connection for a lung condition, to include as due to exposure to asbestos, is remanded. The Veteran contends that his lung condition is due to his period of service, to include as due to exposure to asbestos. In a November 2019 Board decision, the Board noted conflicting evidence between the October 2014 private medical opinion and the September 2016 VA medical opinion. The Board also noted that the September 2016 examination stated that there was no CT evidence of asbestos or asbestos-related lung disease or pleural disease; however, it noted there was a 3 millimeter right lower lobe nodule. The Board directives requested an addendum opinion to the September 2016 VA examination which noted a right lower lobe nodule shown on examination. In a February 2020 VA addendum opinion, the examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran’s right lower lobe nodule was due to his period of service, to include as due to exposure to asbestos. The examiner explained that the singular 3 millimeter nodule in the right lower lobe is reported by the radiologist to be calcified granuloma. The Board notes that the February 2020 VA opinion does not provide adequate bases for the conclusion reached. Rather, it is a recitation and citation of available records, including the result of the December 2019 CT scan of the chest showing calcified granuloma. As the reasons and bases for reaching the opinion are inadequate, a remand is necessary. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Send the Veteran’s file to an appropriate examiner to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed lung condition. An examination may be scheduled only if the examiner deems it necessary, and may be conducted via telehealth or similar service during the social distancing restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. After review of the record, the examiner is asked to address the following: Determine whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s lung condition was manifested in, caused by, or is otherwise etiologically related to his period of service, to include exposure to asbestos. In rendering this opinion, the examiner is asked to address the noted right lower lobe nodule, reported as calcified granuloma, in the Veteran’s September 2016 and December 2019 CT scans and explain its relation or lack thereof to exposure to asbestos. The examiner should also address the conflicting October 2014 private medical opinion regarding a diagnosis of a lung condition based on exposure to asbestos in rendering an opinion. JENNIFER HWA Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Ford 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.