Citation Nr: 22018024
Decision Date: 03/28/22	Archive Date: 03/28/22

DOCKET NO. 17-33 176
DATE: March 28, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for Parkinson's disease is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service from January 1986 to December 1987.

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a rating decision issued in February 2015.  This matter was previously before the Board in September 2019 and September 2021.

An additional remand is required to ensure that all the theories suggested by the record are adequately addressed.  In a May 2016 VA treatment note, the Veteran indicated that she was exposed to jet fuel and other chemicals during her service, and she has attributed her Parkinson's disease to these exposures. According to service personnel records, the Veteran's military occupational specialty was that of an electrical and mechanical equipment repairman, and she worked on airplanes.

The November 2021 examination generally indicates that her condition is not related to service.  However, that opinion does not appear to address this more specific theory raised by the Veteran, as discussed herein.  Therefore, this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion, to include:

1. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is at least as likely as not related to her claimed in-service exposure to chemicals, including jet fuel. In other words, is the Veteran's Parkinson's disease consistent with her purported in-service exposure to chemicals, including jet fuel.  In this regard, the Board reiterates that the Veteran's service personnel records document her work on airplanes. 

2. After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issue on appeal.  If the benefit sought is not granted to the Veteran's satisfaction, send the Veteran and her representative a Supplemental Statement of the Case and provide an opportunity to respond.  If necessary, return the case to the Board for further appellate review. 

 

 

THERESA M. CATINO

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.