Citation Nr: 21074706
Decision Date: 12/16/21	Archive Date: 12/16/21

DOCKET NO. 17-24 042
DATE: December 16, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for a right wrist disability, diagnosed as tendonitis, is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from December 2011 to December 2013 in Afghanistan, and most recently from December 2020 to December 2021 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  He also had an earlier period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) from September 2009 to February 2011.  

This matter comes on appeal before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from the October 2015 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). 

In January 2020, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) via videoconference hearing.  A copy of the hearing transcript is of record and has been reviewed.  

In February 2020, the Board granted service connection for tinnitus and left foot disability and remanded the claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and a right foot disability, which was expanded to bilateral foot disability, for additional development. 

In an October 2020 rating decision, the RO granted service connection for left knee tendonitis, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral plantar fasciitis; these awards represent a full grant of the benefits sought, and the claims are no longer in appellate status.  In September 2021, the Board again remanded the claim for a right wrist disability to obtain an addendum medical opinion.  

In this case, the Veteran contends that his right wrist disability is related to his service in Afghanistan; specifically, being right-hand dominant, picking up rucksacks and gear, getting off the ground with his right hand, and general overuse during service and that his pain in the right wrist has persisted since service.  

As noted above, the Veteran was activated to active duty from December 2020 to December 2021 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and this occurred after the Board hearing.  To ensure that there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim and that the Veteran is afforded every possible consideration, the Board must obtain a complete copy of the service treatment records from the most recent period of service. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1.  Ensure all outstanding VA treatment records are associated with the claims file. 

2.  Obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records, specifically those pertaining to his recent service from December 2020 to December 2021.  Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file.

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3.  Thereafter, readjudicate the claim.

 

S. B. MAYS

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	M. Moldawer, Associate Counsel

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.