Citation Nr: 23016879 Decision Date: 03/19/23 Archive Date: 03/19/23 DOCKET NO. 19-05 029 DATE: March 19, 2023 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for skin disorder is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from June 1990 to March 1994. He also served in the National Guard. These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ). In his February 2019 substantive appeal, the Veteran requested a videoconference hearing. The Board scheduled a September 2021 videoconference hearing and sent him a July 2021 hearing notification letter. The Veteran failed to appear at the hearing and has not given any explanation for his failure to appear. The hearing request is therefore considered withdrawn. See 38 C.F.R. § 20.704. 1. Entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded. An October 2016 VA examination diagnosed intermittent explosive disorder. The associated October 2016 VA medical opinion determined that this condition was not related to the Veteran's service. A December 2016 VA medical opinion from the same psychologist diagnosed unspecified anxiety disorder and determined that it was also less likely than not related to the Veteran's service. The claims file contains 2017 and 2018 VA psychiatry records in which the Veteran is treated for trauma and stressor related disorder. An additional VA examination is needed to address the diagnosis (including clarification of the appropriate label) and its relationship to service. 2. Entitlement to service connection for skin disorder is remanded. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to toxins during his service in Southwest Asia, and a July 1991 service treatment record specifically noted that the Veteran was "subjected to Kuwaiti oil fire smoke during the total period of deployment to Southwest Asia . . . Member was exposed to heavy atmospheric smoke generated as a result of numerous (in excess of 500) oil well fires." Thus, an opinion is needed regarding whether his skin disorder is a direct result of presumptive exposure to toxins, including oil fire smoke. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA mental disorders examination. The claims file must be reviewed in conjunction with the examination. The examiner must identify all currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders. Trauma and stressor related disorder must be specifically addressed; stressors related to combat and fear of hostile enemy action are considered verified. For each diagnosed condition, the examiner must opine whether the condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for his claimed skin disorder. The examiner must review the claims file in conjunction with the examination. The examiner must identify all currently diagnosed skin disorders, to include those that may be quiescent at the time of physical examination. The examiner must opine as to whether any such is least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service, including oil fire smoke and toxins. A full and complete rationale to support any opinion expressed is required. 3. Then, readjudicate the claim. If the benefits sought remain denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case and return the matters to the Board if otherwise in order. WILLIAM H. DONNELLY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board W. Ripplinger, 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.