Citation Nr: 21016053 Decision Date: 03/19/21 Archive Date: 03/19/21 DOCKET NO. 17-67 356 DATE: March 19, 2021 REMANDED The claim of service connection for a skin disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from January 1972 to January 1976. This appeal is from an October 2016 rating decision. In April 2020, this claim was remanded by the Board for additional development. Unfortunately, the development was not substantially completed, as discussed below. The Board regrets this additional delay, but remand is necessary to preserve the Veteran’s due process rights. The claim of service connection for a skin disability is remanded. The Veteran was given a VA examination in August 2020, but the examiner did not provide a current diagnosis or an opinion. The examiner noted the Veteran was treated for pruritis and xerosis in 2017, but did not provide an opinion on that because it had resolved. The record shows that the Veteran first went to dermatology in February 2017 for complaints of itching on his head, legs, and arms. In a November 2017 treatment note, the dermatologist opined that the Veteran had generalized pruritus related to multiple causes, and that he should ask his treatment provider for an increased dose of Lyrica to treat the symptoms. The record shows that Lyrica is used to treat the pain his feet due to service-connected neuropathy, which suggests the pruritis has a neurological component. The examiner should have addressed this diagnosis, and an opinion will be obtained on remand. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain updated VA treatment records. 2. Thereafter forward the claims file to an appropriate examiner for an opinion on whether it is as likely as not (50/50 probability or greater) that generalized pruritis and/or xerosis (diagnosed and treated from February through November 2017) is related to service, or to exposure to herbicides including Agent Orange. The examiner is asked to review the record and the relevant literature prior to opining. The Board notes that the record shows treatment and diagnosis of xerosis and generalized pruritis of the head, legs, and arms, from February to November 2017. He complained of constant itching, and bumps on his neck and back. In November 2017, the VA dermatologist noted mild to moderate xerosis and numerous small sessile hyperpigmented papules on the face, neck, and trunk. She opined that the generalized pruritis was likely caused by multiple factors, and advised the Veteran to ask his doctor for an increased dosage in Lyrica. Lyrica is used to treat his symptoms related to his service-connected neuropathy, which has been attributed to herbicide exposure. The examiner is asked whether it is as likely as not that the xerosis and/or generalized pruritis is related to herbicide exposure. It is up to the discretion of the examiner as to whether a physical examination is necessary to render the required opinion. If so, the examiner is asked to notify the scheduling authority. Nathaniel J. Doan Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Gibson 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.