Citation Nr: 21005569 Decision Date: 02/02/21 Archive Date: 02/02/21 DOCKET NO. 17-17 079 DATE: February 2, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a compensable rating for hypogeusia. Service connection for a neck disorder. Service connection for a back disorder. Service connection for a right knee disorder. Service connection for chronic right leg numbness. REASONS FOR REMAND Additional development is necessary to decide the issues on appeal. In May 2019, the Board remanded the issues. The Regional Office (RO) maintains that an attempt was made to contact the Veteran about the examinations. He contends that he never received a call and was not aware that examinations were scheduled until reading the August 2020 supplemental statement of the case. Based on his statements, another attempt should be made to schedule him for an examination for hypogeusia and obtain medical opinions as to the service connection claims. The matters are REMANDED for the following actions: 1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the current severity of hypogeusia. 2. As to the neck, back, right knee, and right leg, direct the claims file to a clinician(s) to provide medical opinions as to the etiology. For purposes of file review, it is noted that the Veteran experienced an episode of ventricular fibrillation while on active duty, was resuscitated with CPR, and underwent cardiac bypass surgery (CABG) in June 2008. The clinician(s) is asked to review the claims file, including the Veteran’s statements., and address the following: NECK • Whether a chronic neck disorder clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, and if so, whether the preexisting neck disorder clearly and unmistakably was NOT aggravated beyond natural progression by service • The clinician is asked to consider the October 1980 enlistment Report of Medical Examination noting a pre-service ladder fall in 1976. • If the clinician determines there is not clear and unmistakable evidence that a chronic neck disorder preexisted service, the clinician is asked to provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that a neck disorder is related to service, to include physical training and in-service CPR. • The examiner should consider the Veteran’s assertion that he developed upper back pain during service which spread to his neck, and his contention that he slipped down steps in February 1987 and fell on his left shoulder resulting in muscle spasm of the left trapezius. BACK • Whether a chronic back disorder clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, and if so, whether the preexisting back disability clearly and unmistakably was NOT aggravated beyond natural progression by service • The clinician is asked to consider the October 1980 enlistment Report of Medical Examination noting a history of a muscle strain in the lumbar region sustained in a fall from a ladder in 1976, the August 1982 self-report of a fractured coccyx two years prior with continued pain and discomfort, and the June 1992 chest X-ray noting an old compression fracture involving the T7. • If the clinician determines there is not clear and unmistakable evidence that a chronic back disorder preexisted service, then the clinician is asked to provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that a back disorder is related to service, to include physical training and in-service CPR. RIGHT KNEE • Whether it is at least as likely as not that a right knee disorder is etiologically related service, including the December 1990 ski injury in which he sustained a popliteus strain, with consideration of whether a post-service 1999 torn meniscus injury was caused by the in-service 1990 popliteus strain. • A rationale must be provided for the opinion proffered. In rendering the requested rationale, the clinician is asked to reconcile his/her findings with the report of a ski injury in 1999 in which the Veteran sustained a torn meniscus and required knee surgery. RIGHT LEG NUMBNESS • Whether it is at least as likely as not that a right leg nerve disorder is etiologically related to service. • A rationale must be provided for the opinion proffered. In rendering the requested rationale, the clinician is asked to reconcile his/her opinion with the Veteran’s contention that he has right lower leg numbness where a graft was taken for CABG surgery in 2008, and a July 2016 VA examination finding that he had decreased sensation over the right antero-medical aspect of the lower fifth leg. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE   3. If the clinician determines that examinations are necessary in order to provide the requested opinions, then they should be scheduled. L. HOWELL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Brendan A. Evans, 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.