Citation Nr: 18153953
Decision Date: 11/28/18	Archive Date: 11/28/18

DOCKET NO. 16-42 643
DATE:	November 28, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a back disability is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from July 1984 to May 1987 and from February 1991 to February 1993.
This matter comes to the Board of Veteran’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a June 2013 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in St. Petersburg, Florida. 
The Board finds that additional development is required before the claim on appeal is decided.
The Veteran contends that his back disability is a result of carrying a heavy rucksack during his active service.  Further, the Veteran has reported that he first experienced back pain in service and that the pain has continued since that time. The Veteran reported that he did not seek treatment for his back pain while in service as going to medical for such complaints was frowned upon.
A review of the post-service medical evidence of record shows that the Veteran has sought treatment for back pain.  X-rays of the Veteran’s lumbar spine showed severe arthritis at the L5-S1 level.
In light of the Veteran reports of experiencing back pain during service and the current diagnosis of lumbar spine arthritis, the Board finds that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present back disability.  McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App, 79 (2006).  
Additionally, current treatment records should be identified and obtained before a decision is made in this case. 
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Identify and obtain any pertinent, outstanding VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file.  
2. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present back disability.  The claims file must be made available to, and reviewed by the examiner.  Any indicated studies must be performed.  
Based on the examination results and review of the record, the examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or better) that any currently present back disability had its onset during the Veteran’s active service, or is otherwise etiologically related to such service.  In forming the opinion, the examiner must consider the Veteran’s statements regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.  
The rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided.  
3. Confirm that the VA examination report and all medical opinions provided comport with this remand, and undertake any other development determined to be warranted. 
4. Then, readjudicate the claim on appeal.  If the decision is adverse to the Veteran, issue a supplemental statement of the case and allow appropriate time for response.  Then, return the case to the Board.
 
Kristin Haddock
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Devyn Whitlock, Law Clerk