Citation Nr: 21014524 Decision Date: 03/12/21 Archive Date: 03/12/21 DOCKET NO. 19-35 808 DATE: March 12, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left eye disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND Entitlement to service connection for a left eye disability is remanded. The Veteran contends that he is entitled to service connection for a left eye disability. More specifically, the Veteran alleges that an in-service incident caused glass to go into his eye. An August 1968 service medical record shows complaints and treatment for left eye pain. At the February 2021 hearing before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, the Veteran reported continuity of symptomatology since the in-service incident. The Veteran also submitted a lay statement describing the incident in service and treatment sought by the Veteran. VA must provide the Veteran with an examination where the information and evidence of record does not contain sufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim, but (1) contains competent evidence of diagnosed disability or symptoms of disability, (2) establishes an in-service event, injury or disease, or the presence of a presumptive disease during the pertinent period, and (3) indicates that the claimed disability may be associated with the in-service event, injury, or disease, or with another service-connected disability.  McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006).  The Agency of Original Jurisdiction did not obtain a medical opinion prior to the August 2018 decision on appeal. Because of the nature of the claimed disability, a VA examination is warranted to determine the etiology of the claimed disability.  The examiner should also opine as to whether or not the Veteran’s disability developed to a compensable degree within a year of separation from service. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for a VA eye examination to determine the nature and etiology of any left eye disability. The examiner must review the claims file and note that review in the report. All indicated tests and studies should be accomplished and the findings reported in detail. The examiner should opine as to whether it is as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that any left eye disability had its onset during active service or otherwise originated during active service, to include as the result of the reported in-service sandblasting incident. The examiner should address the August 1968 service medical record showing complaints and treatment for left eye pain. If the examiner determines that the left eye disability is not the result of active service, and another etiology can be determined, the examiner should provide an opinion as to what likely caused the left eye disability, taking into account the Veteran’s full post-service work and medical history. The examiner should discuss the Veteran’s lay statements regarding the history and continuity of symptomatology. The examiner should also review and discuss the lay statement discussing the Veteran’s reports of the events in service submitted at the hearing. The examiner should provide a complete rationale for all conclusions. Harvey P. Roberts Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board K. Cross, 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.