The record also contains a July 1, 1996 report from Dr. S. Chandra Swami, a general practitioner and attending physician, who made a confident diagnosis of Lyme disease. In making the diagnosis, Dr. Swami stated:
I am an innocent victim of this disease due to my love of nature photography. My nurse and one other staff member have it as well as a few of there [sic] family members. My dog dies of this illness
.
By decision dated July 9, 1996, the Office denied appellants claim finding that the medical evidence did not establish a definitive diagnosis of Lyme disease as there were no positive immunologic titres (blood tests); nor did the medical evidence establish a causal relationship between appellants claimed condition and his federal employment.