Citation Nr: 22019916
Decision Date: 04/03/22	Archive Date: 04/03/22

DOCKET NO. 17-41 483
DATE: April 3, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, to include as due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service from November 1980 to November 2000.

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a rating decision issued in September 2015. During the current appeal, and specifically in May 2019, December 2019, and September 2021, the Board remanded this appeal for further evidentiary development.  

Service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, to include as due to in service exposure to ionizing radiation

This matter must be remanded to address more specifically the Veteran's contention that the late stage of his cancer at the time that it was diagnosed itself indicates that his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had been present for a long time prior to his diagnosis in June 2011. Specifically, the Veteran asserts that this disorder dates back to his time of his service (in 2000), eleven years prior to the initial diagnosis. earlier. This matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was at least as likely as not present during his service.  In rendering this opinion, the clinician should specifically address whether the late stage of the Veteran's cancer at the time that it was diagnosed (in June 2011) indicates that his condition had been present and ongoing for the preceding 11 years (during his active duty).

2. After the above development, and any other 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 his representative a Supplemental Statement of the Case and provide them 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.