Citation Nr: 21063813 Decision Date: 10/18/21 Archive Date: 10/18/21 DOCKET NO. 15-33 502 DATE: October 18, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left thumb disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active service from February 1986 to February 1989. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2013 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In May 2017, the Veteran testified at a central office hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). A copy of the transcript has been associated with the Veteran's electronic claims folder. Entitlement to service connection for a left thumb disability is remanded. The Veteran contends that he is entitled to service connection for a left thumb disability because he injured it while playing basketball during service. See May 2017 Board Hearing Transcript, p. 9; November 2017 VA hand and finger conditions examination report. In March 2021, the Board remanded the matter to obtain an addendum opinion which addressed the etiology of the Veteran's claimed left thumb disability. In a July 2021 medical opinion, the clinician opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's left thumb disability was related to service. The clinician reasoned that there was no left thumb injury noted during service and there was no evidence of chronicity of care. The clinician noted that the Veteran's symptoms were subjective only. The Board finds the July 2021 medical opinion conclusory and inadequate. The clinician failed to provide a reasoned rationale for the negative nexus or consider the Veteran's statements of chronicity. The Veteran has contended that his left thumb has bothered him since service separation and although he did not seek professional medical help, he self-medicated. See February 1994 VA Form 21-4138. He also testified that his left thumb was clearly physically different from his right thumb. See Board Hearing Transcript, p. 8. Further, the Veteran initially filed his claim for entitlement to a left thumb disability in 1993. Therefore, the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion supported by adequate rationale. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Obtain an addendum opinion from the July 2021 VA clinician (or a suitable substitute). The Veteran's electronic claims folder, including a copy of this remand, must be provided to the clinician. The clinician is requested to provide an opinion as to the following: Whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that a left thumb disability was incurred in or is otherwise related to service. A complete rationale, with citation to appropriate medical principles, is requested. The Board is returning the matter because the July 2021 medical opinion is conclusory and inadequate. The clinician must consider the Veteran's lay statements of self-treatment throughout the years and his initial compensation claim in 1993. The clinician must also address the Veteran's statements that his left thumb is physically different from his right thumb and is typically numb. See Board Hearing Transcript, p. 8. Michael A. Pappas Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board L. Baskerville 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.