Citation Nr: 20021556 Decision Date: 03/26/20 Archive Date: 03/26/20 DOCKET NO. 15-05 112 DATE: March 26, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded. Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded. Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded. A higher (compensable) rating for bilateral uveitis, conjunctivitis, episcleritis with dry eyes is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from April 1975 to April 1979. Service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a bilateral knee disability The Veteran has contended that diagnosed psoriatic arthritis is that cause for back and knee problems. At an April 2014 VA examination, the examiner noted that the Veteran was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis eight months prior. The examiner found, however, that the lumbar and knee complaints were not related to psoriatic arthritis, or service-connected psoriasis, because while the medical history and examination findings were suggested for psoriatic arthritis, objective findings were lacking. In the absence of objective findings, the examiner opined that the symptoms were more likely related to degenerative joint disease. Subsequent VA medical records indicate continued treatment for active psoriatic arthritis. The Board finds that April 2014 VA examination opinion is inadequate, as it does not explain how psoriatic arthritis would not be related to psoriasis, nor does it adequately explain whether the Veteran’s lumbar and knee complaints are related to psoriatic arthritis. In addition, the Veteran has also asserted that lumbar and knee conditions may be related to a service-connected bilateral ankle disability. Therefore, a remand is necessary to obtain new VA examinations for the Veteran’s lumbar spine and knee conditions. A higher rating for a bilateral eye disability The Board finds that a new VA examination is needed to properly assess the current severity of the Veteran’s eye disability. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Associate any pertinent VA or private medical records that are not already of record with the claims file. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination with a medical doctor that has not previously examined him to determine the nature and etiology of any lumbar spine and bilateral knee disability. After clinical evaluation and review of the claims file, the examiner must provide the following opinions: Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that any lumbar spine or bilateral knee disability was (a) incurred during or manifested within one year after separation from service, (b) caused by the service-connected psoriasis or bilateral ankle disabilities, or (c) aggravated by the service-connected psoriasis or bilateral ankle disabilities? The examiner is asked to specifically address medical records which indicate ongoing treatment for active psoriatic arthritis. The rationale for the opinions should be provided. 3. Schedule the Veteran for a VA eye examination to determine the current severity of service-connected uveitis, conjunctivitis, and episcleritis with dry eye syndrome. Any and all studies or tests deemed necessary should be performed. The examiner should elicit information about the nature of the disability and symptoms when present, even if not present at the time of the examination. To the extent possible, the examiner should identify any symptoms and functional impairments due to the Veteran’s eye disability and should discuss the effect of the disability on any occupational functioning and activities of daily living. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board H. Ahmad 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.