Citation Nr: 18143853 Decision Date: 10/23/18 Archive Date: 10/22/18 DOCKET NO. 16-09 444 DATE: October 23, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for left shoulder condition is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for right shoulder condition is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for right hip replacement is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active duty in the Army from October 1964 to September 1966. This matter is on appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) from a July 2014 rating decision of a regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veteran contends that his bilateral shoulder strain and right hip condition had onset during service and have continued to worsen since his separation in 1966. See VA Form 9 dated March 2016. He also asserts that the June 2014 VA examinations are inadequate as the examiner erroneously characterized his statement that the pain became so severe that he had to seek medical attention in 2009 as reporting that his symptoms manifested in 2009. Id. The record reflects VA examinations of June 2014 indicating a diagnosis of bilateral shoulder strain and a right hip replacement in January 2010. See Shoulder and Arm Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and Thigh and Hip DBQ dated June 2014. However, no etiological opinions are provided by the examiner. Thus, the Board finds the June 2014 VA examination reports are inadequate for decision making purposes, and remand is necessary to obtain an opinion addressing direct service connection with supporting rationale. Barr v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303, 312 (2007). Given the Veteran’s assertions and in order to ensure that his claim is afforded full consideration, the Board concludes that reexaminations are necessary. While the claim is in remand status, updated treatment records should be sought and added to the claims file. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Updated pertinent treatment records, VA and non-VA, should be obtained and added to the claims file. 2. Schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination with an appropriate medical professional to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral shoulder conditions. The Veteran’s claims file, to include a copy of the remand, must be made available to the examiner in conjunction with the examination along with any other information the medical professional deems pertinent. A note that it was reviewed should be included in the opinion. Following examination of the Veteran, the examiner is to provide an opinion addressing the following: Whether the Veteran has a current diagnosed shoulder disability. For each such diagnosed condition, the examiner must provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that the claimed condition had onset in service or is directly linked to the Veteran’s time on active duty. The examination opinion must reflect consideration of the lay statements of record. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms and history, and such reports must be specifically acknowledged and considered in formulating any opinions. The examiner must set forth a complete rationale for all findings and conclusions. 3. Schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination with an appropriate medical professional to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed right hip condition. The Veteran’s claims file, to include a copy of the remand, must be made available to the examiner in conjunction with the examination along with any other information the medical professional deems pertinent. A note that it was reviewed should be included in the opinion. Following examination of the Veteran, the examiner is to provide an opinion addressing the following: Whether the Veteran has a current diagnosed right hip condition. For each such diagnosed condition, the examiner must provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that the claimed condition had onset in service or is directly linked to the Veteran’s time on active duty. The examination opinion must reflect consideration of the lay statements of record. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms and history, and such reports must be specifically acknowledged and considered in formulating any opinions. The examiner must set forth a complete rationale for all findings and conclusions. 4. After completing the above action and any other development deemed necessary, the claims must be readjudicated. If the claims remain denied, a supplemental statement of the case must be provided to the Veteran and his representative. After the Veteran and his representative have had an adequate opportunity to respond, the appeal must be returned to the Board for appellate review. KELLI A. KORDICH Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD S. An, Associate Counsel