Citation Nr: 21006778 Decision Date: 02/05/21 Archive Date: 02/05/21 DOCKET NO. 14-36 519 DATE: February 5, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active service in the United States Army, to include from August 1983 to January 1987, and from November 2007 to May 2011. In November 2018, the Veteran testified at a videoconference hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A transcript of the hearing has been reviewed. The Board previously remanded this case for additional development in May 2020. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded. In October 2020, the Veteran had a VA examination of his left shoulder. The examiner noted that a review of all of his service treatment records showed that he was treated for a right shoulder disability, rather than the left. The examiner indicated that the exception was in 2002, when he presented for left shoulder pain and was given a provisional diagnosis of left rotator cuff tendinitis. The examiner noted that rotator cuff tendinitis can lead to loss of range of motion of the shoulder if left untreated. It was noted that, as pain with movement is present, the shoulder is used less, and adhesive capsulitis can develop. The examiner noted that the likelihood of decreased motion and adhesive capsulitis increases with age. The examiner noted that there was no further mention of the left shoulder until 2013, when the Veteran went to physical therapy for treatment, meaning that the record does not show chronicity of left shoulder pain or dysfunction. The examiner opined that, given all of this information, there is no clear connection between his current left shoulder pain and any event, injury, or illness during active service. Service treatment records dated in February 2011 reflect complaints of shoulder strain, left shoulder blade pain, and left trapezius pain. The Veteran reported that it was a chronic issue, which he related to many years of sit-ups. The October 2020 examiner did not address the February 2011 record noting a chronic left shoulder blade and trapezius pain. The case is being remanded for examiner for an addendum opinion The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s left shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to left shoulder pain noted in service. The examiner should address the February 2011 service treatment record, noting left shoulder blade pain and left trapezius pain, which was reported to be a chronic issue related to years of sit-ups. JENNIFER HWA Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Catherine Cykowski 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.