Citation Nr: 18149968
Decision Date: 11/15/18	Archive Date: 11/14/18

DOCKET NO. 16-43 013
DATE:	November 15, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a right upper extremity nerve disorder is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
Entitlement to service connection for a right upper extremity nerve disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.
The Veteran asserts that he has right upper extremity neuropathy and bilateral lower extremity sciatica that is related to service or secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.  See July 2014 Statement in Support of Claim; August 2016 Form 9.  He underwent a VA examination in August 2016 and was diagnosed with right carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbar radiculopathy.  The examiner did not provide opinions addressing service connection for the diagnoses.  As such, remand is necessary to obtain opinions addressing the Veteran’s contentions.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
Return the file to the examiner who completed the August 2016 peripheral nerves examination.  If the examiner is not available, return the file to another examiner with the appropriate knowledge and expertise. The examiner must acknowledge review of the pertinent evidence of record, including the Veteran’s reports of symptom manifestation.  All necessary examinations, tests, and studies should be conducted.

The examiner should address the following:
a. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s right carpal tunnel syndrome had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, to include the April 1984 motor vehicle accident?
b. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s right carpal tunnel syndrome was caused or aggravated (worsened) by his service-connected cervical spine disability?  The examiner should consider the medical articles regarding cervical radiculopathy submitted by the Veteran in August 2016.
c. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s lumbar radiculopathy had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, to include the April 1984 motor vehicle accident?
d. Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s lumbar radiculopathy was caused or aggravated (worsened) by his service-connected cervical spine disability?  The examiner should consider the medical article regarding sciatica submitted by the Veteran in August 2016.
Rationale for the requested opinions shall be provided.  If the examiner cannot provide an opinion without resorting to mere speculation, provide an explanation stating why this is so.  In so doing, the examiner shall explain whether the inability to provide a more definitive opinion is the result of a need for additional information or the limits of current medical knowledge with respect to the question.
 
J.N. MOATS
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	M. Alhinnawi, Associate Counsel