Citation Nr: 18150271
Decision Date: 11/14/18	Archive Date: 11/14/18

DOCKET NO. 16-48 690
DATE:	November 14, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded.
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle strain is remanded.
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle strain is remanded.
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee is remanded.
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from July 1980 to December 1986.

1. Entitlement to Service Connection for Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Remanded.
2. Entitlement to a Rating in Excess of 10 Percent for Right Ankle Strain is Remanded.
3. Entitlement to a Rating in Excess of 10 Percent for Left Ankle Strain is Remanded.
4. Entitlement to a Rating in Excess of 10 Percent for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Left Knee is Remanded.
5. Entitlement to a Rating in Excess of 10 percent for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee is Remanded.
The Veteran contends that she is entitled to service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as increased ratings for her service-connected left and right knee disabilities, and left and right ankle disabilities. 
After a review of the claims file, it appears there is outstanding medical evidence.
Evidence of record indicates that the Veteran receives private (non-VA) medical care.  For example, an August 2014 private medical note reflects that the Veteran received treatment from Dr. V. for bilateral foot pain, including pain in her medial ankles. An August 2015 private medical note indicates that the Veteran was receiving care from Dr. M. for her knees. The note also revealed that the Veteran was going to receive physical therapy for her knee disabilities.  
The Veteran also contends that she has suffered from left carpal tunnel syndrome since 1985. However, service treatment records reflect that the Veteran explicitly denies ever experiencing neuritis on multiple occasions. See February 1988, January 1982, and July 1997 Report of Medical History forms. Associating private treatment records with the claims file may support the Veteran’s contentions. 
As such, while on remand, the Veteran must be given the opportunity to either provide any outstanding relevant private treatment records or complete a release for such providers; if any releases are returned, VA must attempt to obtain the identified records.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
Contact the Veteran and request that she either provides any outstanding relevant private treatment records, to include from Dr. V. and Dr. M., and any physical therapy records, or completes a release for such providers; if any releases are returned, attempt to obtain the identified records.


 
Biswajit Chatterjee
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	T. Fitzgerald, Associate Counsel