Citation Nr: 21009879
Decision Date: 02/23/21	Archive Date: 02/23/21

DOCKET NO. 14-32 981
DATE: February 23, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service from April 2004 to June 2008, including service in Iraq for which he received a Combat Action Ribbon.  

In April 2018, the Board remanded the matter to obtain medical evidence as to whether the current low back disorder was incurred in or is etiologically related to service.  The Board finds the record would benefit if additional information were obtained as to whether the current disorder is etiologically related to service.  Although an opinion was obtained in conjunction with the Board remand, the Board finds the rationale does not adequately address whether the Veteran’s combat and rigors contributed to the current low back disorder.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Provide the claims file to the November 2020 VA examiner (or if unavailable an appropriate medical professional).  After review, the medical professional should comment on whether the low back disorder is at least as likely as not etiologically related to service.  The examiner should provide an explanation for any comments provided, with consideration of the Veteran’s combat service and reported rigors of service.  

 

 

T. REYNOLDS

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	N. Snyder, 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  This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability.  38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.