Citation Nr: 21063371
Decision Date: 10/14/21	Archive Date: 10/14/21

DOCKET NO. 17-15 853
DATE: October 14, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for a back disability is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service in the Navy from June 1999 to September 1999, followed by many years in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

The Veteran contends his back disability is due to warehouse work and heavy lifting in the supply systems while in service, which he detailed in an October 2012 statement. He also specifically mentioned his multiple deployments to Bahrain from 2001 to 2005, when he was in the Reserves, where he worked in supply. Military Personnel Records verify these deployments.

Private treatment records show the Veteran was seen for back pain beginning in March 2005, and Reserve treatment records show an April 2005 diagnosis of lumbar disc entrapment.

Remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back disorder.

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination with an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back disability. The entire claims folder should be made available and reviewed by the examiner. All indicated studies should be performed and all findings should be reported in detail.

The examiner is requested to provide an opinion as to the following:

Whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e., 50 percent or greater probability) that any diagnosed back disability is related to the Veteran's active military service, to include any periods of active duty for training and inactive duty training while serving in the United States Naval Reserve?

The examiner should note the Veteran's private treatment in March 2005 for back pain, as well as Reserve treatment records showing an April 2005 diagnosis of lumbar disc entrapment.

In rendering an opinion, the examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.

 

A complete rationale must be provided for any opinion.

 

 

L. M. BARNARD

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Department of Veterans Affairs

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.