Citation Nr: 18151146 Decision Date: 11/16/18 Archive Date: 11/16/18 DOCKET NO. 15-12 237 DATE: November 16, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disorder is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left hand disorder is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder, to include rhinitis, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Navy from July 1970 to July 1994. A hearing was not requested. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disorder is remanded. 2. Entitlement to service connection for a left hand disorder is remanded. The Veteran argues that his hand and wrist injuries are the result of a June 1971 motor vehicle accident. See June 1971 service treatment records (received 10/9/13, pages 90–94 of 96). A February 2014 VA medical opinion concludes that the Veteran’s left hand osteoarthritis and left wrist osteoarthritis are less likely than not related to service. One of the bases for this opinion is that the Veteran reported that his pain did not start until 2001, many years after service. The examiner did not address the June 1980 service treatment record (received 10/9/13, page 86 of 96) in which the Veteran states that his left hand hurts every time he goes bowling. An addendum opinion is required that addresses the June 1980 service treatment record. 3. Entitlement to service connection for a sinus disorder, to include rhinitis, is remanded. A January 2014 VA examiner concludes that the Veteran’s current diagnosis of rhinitis is less likely than not related to service. The rationale for this opinion in its entirety reads as follows: “No documentation of chronicity.” This opinion does not address the August 1992 service treatment record (received 10/9/13, page 92 of 96) indicating rhinitis. An addendum opinion is required. Additionally, on Remand the RO should obtain all relevant VA treatment records dated from June 2014 to the present before the issues on appeal are decided on the merits. Bell v. Derwinski, 2 Vet. App. 611 (1992). The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain all VA treatment records from June 2014 to the present. If no records are available, the claims folder must indicate this fact. Any additional records identified by the Veteran during the course of the remand should also be obtained, following the receipt of any necessary authorizations from the Veteran, and associated with the claims file. 2. After obtaining any additional records to the extent possible, an appropriate examiner should be requested to review the entire claims file and provide the following opinions: (a.) Whether the Veteran has any current or previously-diagnosed left hand disorder or left wrist disorder. (b.) Whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent or better probability) that any current or previously-diagnosed left hand disorder or left wrist disorder was incurred in the Veteran’s service, including but not limited to as a result of a June 1971 motor vehicle accident. In rendering these opinions, the examiner should consider the June 1980 service treatment record (received 10/9/13, page 86 of 96) in which the Veteran states that his left hand hurts every time he goes bowling. The examiner should also consider the June 1971 service treatment records (received 10/9/13, pages 90–94 of 96) describing treatment following a motor vehicle accident. If the examiner believes that further examination is necessary in order to provide the requested opinions, such examination should be scheduled with proper notice to the Veteran. The examiner should provide a complete rationale for any opinions offered. If the examiner is unable to provide any requested opinion without resort to speculation, he or she should explain why this is so. 3. After obtaining any additional records to the extent possible, an appropriate examiner should be requested to review the entire claims file and provide the following opinions: (a.) Whether the Veteran has any current or previously-diagnosed sinus disorder, to include rhinitis. (b.) Whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent or better probability) that any current or previously-diagnosed sinus disorder, to include rhinitis, was incurred in the Veteran’s service. In rendering these opinions, the examiner should consider the August 1992 service treatment record (received 10/9/13, page 92 of 96) indicating rhinitis. The examiner should also consider the service treatment records indicating sinus problems. If the examiner believes that further examination is necessary in order to provide the requested opinions, such examination should be scheduled with proper notice to the Veteran. The examiner should provide a complete rationale for any opinions offered. If the examiner is unable to provide any requested opinion without resort to speculation, he or she should explain why this is so. Michael J. Skaltsounis Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD B. Cannon, Associate Counsel