BVA9505385 
DOCKET NO.  93-07 535     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in New Orleans,
Louisiana

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to service connection for cardiovascular disorders
and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

R. A. Caffery, Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The veteran served on active duty from October 1957 to October
1977.  This is an appeal from 1992 rating actions by the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office New Orleans,
Louisiana, denying entitlement to service connection for
orthostatic hypotension, first degree heart block with a heart
condition and peripheral vascular disease of the lower
extremities.

REMAND

The record reflects that in November 1991 the veteran submitted a
claim for service connection for conditions including a first
degree heart block.  He submitted a report of an
electrocardiogram conducted during service, in December 1976
reflecting that condition.  He also submitted a copy of his
service department retirement examination in December 1976
indicating that he had orthostatic hypotension among other
things.

When the veteran was examined by the VA in January 1992 his
electrocardiogram was reported to be within normal limits.  The
general medical examiner indicated that the veteran's mildly low
blood pressure was not pathological.

After the case was sent to the Board for review, the veteran
submitted an August 1993 report by Dan J. Lafleur, M.D.,
indicating that he had examined the veteran in August 1993 for
complaints including a lightheaded sensation.  It was stated that
the veteran had been noted to be hypotensive for several years
and no apparent etiology for the hypotension had been indicated.
It was stated that the veteran had a Grade III/VI bruit over his
right carotid artery.  An electrocardiogram reportedly showed a
sinus rhythm with a borderline first degree heart block.  A
cardiology consultation was suggested.

The veteran asked that the regional office take into
consideration General Counsel Precedent Opinion 2-93 concerning
the effect of cigarette smoking in connection with his claim for
service connection for peripheral vascular disease.  He has
asserted that tabacco use in service caused the peripheral
vascular disease.

The veteran's accredited representative has requested that the
veteran be afforded an official cardiology examination.

In view of the aforementioned matters and in order to afford the
veteran every consideration, findings of fact and conclusions of
law are being deferred pending a REMAND for the following action:

1.  The veteran should be afforded special
cardiovascular and peripheral vascular
examinations in order to determine the
current nature and extent of any cardiac
condition and peripheral vascular disease
which may be present.  All indicated
special studies, should be conducted.  The
cardiology examiner should express an
opinion as to the etiology of the veteran's
orthostatic hypotension.  The peripheral
vascular examiner should express an opinion
as to the relationship between any
condition found and tabacco use.  The
claims file should be made available to the
examiners for review.

2.  The veteran's claim should then be
reviewed by the regional office.  In
particular, the General Counsel Precedent
opinion (VA O.G.C. No. 2-93 (January 13,
1993)) should be considered in connection
with his claim for service connection for
peripheral vascular disease.  If the denial
is continued he and his representative
should be sent a supplemental statement of
the case and be afforded the appropriate
time in which to respond.

When the above action has been completed the case should be
returned to the Board for further appellate consideration, if
otherwise in order.  No action is required of the veteran until
he receives further notice.

The purpose of this REMAND is to obtain clarifying information.
The Board intimates no opinion as to the disposition warranted in
this case pending completion of the requested action.

          ROBERT D. PHILIPP
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a
determination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an
individual member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This remand is in the nature of a
preliminary order and does not constitute a decision of the Board
on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R. § 20.1100(b) (1994).