Citation Nr: 22011980
Decision Date: 03/02/22	Archive Date: 03/02/22

DOCKET NO. 17-56 274
DATE: March 2, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force from March 1967 to November 1977.  

He testified at a Board hearing in October 2021 before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge.  A transcript is associated with the record. 

1. Entitlement to service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is remanded.

During the Board hearing, the Veteran testified that he was exposed to multiple chemicals while carrying out his duties during service.  Specifically, he believed that exposure to trichloroethylene and many other solvents and chemicals led to development of his specific type of cancer.  

The Veteran has never been afforded a VA examination.  As he has a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, or disease, the first two elements of service connection have been met.  Moreover, an examination is necessary to determine whether there is a link between the two.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain any outstanding VA and private treatment records related to treatment for CLL.

2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of his CLL. 

For purposes of this examination, the examiner should review and provide comment for the Veteran's reports of exposure to chemicals during service as well as May 2018 buddy statement from the Veteran's Master Sergeant.

For the Veteran's diagnosed CLL, provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e. probability of 50% or greater) (1) etiologically related to or (2) caused by the Veteran's active service, to include exposure to certain chemicals during service.

A detailed explanation/reasoning should be provided for all opinions.

 

 

H.M. WALKER

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	A. Price, Esq. 

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.