Citation Nr: 21000071
Decision Date: 01/04/21	Archive Date: 01/04/21

DOCKET NO. 17-14 733
DATE: January 4, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. 

Service connection for a left knee disorder.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran testified before the Board in November 2019. In February 2020, the Board remanded the claims for additional development. After a review of the record, a clarification remand is necessary to adjudicate the claims. 

As to the low back, the medical evidence is unclear as to whether the Veteran has a current low back disorder. He was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2014 and spondylosis in 2015; however, the September 2020 VA examiner specifically found that he did not have scoliosis or spondylosis but rather found a lumbar strain that was not related to service. Therefore, clarification is needed.

As to the left knee, the medical evidence is similarly unclear. A June 2015 VA examination found that the Veteran had a pre-existing left knee disorder and that the service treatment records (STRs) were absent of any left knee injuries. On the other hand, the September 2020 VA examiner opined that the Veteran did not have a pre-existing left knee disorder and a left knee disorder was not incurred in service but offered no supporting rationale. As the Veteran did not have a pre-existing left knee disorder at enlistment and complained of left knee pain in service, a medical opinion is needed to determine if the current left knee complaints are related to the in-service left knee pain.

The matters are REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain any outstanding VA clinical records regarding the low back and left knee.

2. Direct the claims file to a clinician to determine whether a lumbar spine disorder was incurred in service. The clinician is asked to review the STRs, note any complaints regarding the low back, and offer an opinion as to whether a low back disorder is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) related to service.

3. Direct the claims file to a clinician to determine whether a left knee disorder was incurred in service. The clinician is asked to review the STRs, note any complaints regarding the left knee, and offer an opinion as to whether a left knee disorder is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) related to service.

4. If the clinician determines that an examination is necessary in order to provide the requested opinions, then one should be scheduled.

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	D. Ragofsky, Attorney Advisor 

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.