Citation Nr: 22016602
Decision Date: 03/22/22	Archive Date: 03/22/22

DOCKET NO. 15-37 975A
DATE: March 22, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer residuals is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from September 1968 to September 1974.  

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from an October 2014 rating decision from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).  The Veteran appeared for a hearing in September 2021 before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge.  A transcript of the proceeding is of record. 

Entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer residuals is remanded.

The record does not contain sufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's asserted radiation exposure.  Medical records show the Veteran has been diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer, which is a radiogenic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311(b)(2).  Military personnel records show the Veteran was a maintenance mechanic on the LORAN (long range navigation) systems at LORAN Station Sattahip in Thailand from July 1969 to July 1970.  Accordingly, VA should develop the Veteran's claim as directed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311. 

This matter is REMANDED for the following action:

Develop the Veteran's assertion that he was exposed to radiation from conducting maintenance on LORAN systems at LORAN Station Sattahip, Thailand.  If evidence of possible exposure to radiation or ionizing radiation is found, obtain a dose assessment and an opinion.  If more details are needed, contact the Veteran to request the information.

 

 

Nathaniel J. Doan

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.