Citation Nr: 18142176 Decision Date: 10/16/18 Archive Date: 10/12/18 DOCKET NO. 14-17 796 DATE: October 16, 2018 REMANDED 1. Service connection for bilateral shin splints is remanded. 2. Service connection for sprained right ankle is remanded. 3. Service connection for bilateral wrist condition is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from September 2004 to September 2009. This matter is on appeal from an September 2010 rating decision. In September 2016 the claims were remanded in order to obtain VA treatment records. In the August 2018 Written Brief presentation, the Veteran’s representative listed service connection for migraine headaches as one of the issues. However, the Veteran had previously indicated his desire to withdraw his appeal of that issue, and the issue was dismissed in the September 2016 Board decision. Therefore, as the dismissal extinguished this issue before the Board, the claim for service connection for a migraine condition is no longer on appeal. 1.Bilateral Shin Splints The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral shin splints. Service treatment records dated in July 2008 noted complaints of shin splints. The Veteran testified that his bilateral shin splints began in service and have continued to the present day. Subsequent to the most recent supplemental statement of the case, the Veteran submitted a private treatment record dated in January 2016 that included a current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints. As such, a medical opinion should be obtained to address the etiology of the Veteran’s current bilateral shin splints. 2. Right ankle The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right ankle condition. Service treatment records are negative for complaints, findings, or diagnosis of any right ankle problems. However, in October 2009, approximately a month after discharge, a VA examiner diagnosed the Veteran with a “right ankle condition”. A 2013 VA examination found the Veteran had normal legs. The Veteran testified at the November 2015 Board hearing that his right ankle condition continued to causes pain and rolls/gives out. The Veteran also suggested that his ankle condition might be related to his shin splint condition. As such, the Board finds that a decision on the remanded issue of service connection for right shin splint could significantly impact a decision on the issue of service connection for a right ankle condition. The issues are inextricably intertwined. A remand of the claim for service connection for a right ankle condition to include as a result of shin splints is required. 3. Bilateral Wrist Service treatment records dated in January 2007 show complaint of left wrist pain after slipping on ice. Service treatment records dated in September 2008 show complaint of right wrist pain. A June 2010 VA examiner diagnosed the Veteran with bilateral wrist sprain with no residual. While, an October 2013 VA examiner found that the Veteran’s bilateral wrist were normal, subsequent to the most recent supplemental statement of the case, the Veteran submitted 2016 private treatment notes which indicate a history of a right elbow condition and a left elbow condition that the medical professional stated was caused by gripping, pushing, turning key, twisting and using screwdriver. The private medical professional reported that treatment includes taping and or wrist brace. The Veteran testified in 2015, that he has experienced continued wrist pain since 2007. He contends in a 2017 statement in support of claim that his current non-service-connected bilateral elbow condition is evidence of his bilateral wrist condition due to shooting pain from his wrist to his elbows. Thus, the Board believes clarification regarding the Veteran’s diagnosis is needed as to whether the Veteran has a current bilateral wrist condition and the relationship if any between such condition and his service. Accordingly, a remand is warranted. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination of his ankle and legs. The examiner should answer the following questions: a) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) that any current shin splint disability either began during or was otherwise caused by his military service. Why or why not? In addressing this question, the examiner should give consideration to the Veteran’s January 2016 private treatment notes diagnosing bilateral shin splints and explain whether the current shin splints should be considered a continuation of the disease/disability process that led to shin splints being diagnosed in service. b) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) that the Veteran has a right ankle disability that either began during or was otherwise caused by his military service? Why or why not? c) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) that a right ankle disability was caused by shin splints? Why or why not? d) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) that a right ankle disability was aggravated (made worse) by shin splints? Why or why not? 2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine etiology of any current bilateral wrist disability residuals. The examiner should opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) that the Veteran has a wrist disability (in either wrist) that either began during or was otherwise caused by his military service. Why or why not? In answering this question, the examiner should address the Veteran’s contention that his current elbow problems are a manifestation of pain radiating up from wrist disabilities. MATTHEW W. BLACKWELDER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD M. Franklin, Associate Counsel