Citation Nr: 20007948 Decision Date: 01/30/20 Archive Date: 01/30/20 DOCKET NO. 19-25 236 DATE: January 30, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a chronic lumbar spine strain with degeneration is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from March 2003 to August 2004. This matter comes before the Board from a December 2018 rating decision. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a chronic lumbar spine strain with degeneration is remanded. The Veteran contends that he injured his back during the Warrior Leader Course he attended in May 2006. He alleges the injury occurred on May 13, 2006 and that he was treated at a private hospital, possibly in Omaha, but he does not remember the name of the hospital. The record includes no findings with regard to the Veteran’s 2006 participation in the Warrior Leader Course or the purported injury. As to the injury, the Veteran specifically highlights two notations in his service treatment records (STRs) to support his allegation. First, notation from May 16, 2006 indicates the Veteran was evaluated for upper back pain he experienced after doing sit-ups and push-ups the previous day. Second, a health evaluation from March 2010 at which the Veteran reported back pain monthly. Reference was made to his job laying floors. These instances do not correspond with verified dates of service. A review of the record indicates other instances in which the Veteran participated in the Warrior Leader Course, including a certificate from February 2010. This certificate does correspond to a period of qualifying service. The record does not contain a similar certificate for 2006 or similar notations of qualifying service in 2006. The AOJ should attempt to verify the Veteran’s period of active duty for training or inactive duty for training. The Veteran’s claims file does not appear to contain his complete service personnel records for his period of service in the National Guard. As they may contain information regarding the Veteran’s May 2006 Warrior Leader Course and back injury, a remand is required to obtain them. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain the Veteran’s complete service personnel records, to include all documents pertaining to his service in the Missouri National Guard. Verify all active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA) dates for alleged service in the Missouri National Guard from 2006 to 2010. If necessary, a request should be made to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file. 2. If the Veteran is found to have participated in the Warrior Leader Course during a period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA in May 2006, appropriate development should be conducted. Such development may include obtaining additional private and VA treatment records and affording the Veteran an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any chronic low back disorder. MICHAEL A. HERMAN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board E. Rekowski The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.