Citation Nr: 21016021
Decision Date: 03/19/21	Archive Date: 03/19/21

DOCKET NO. 18-24 656
DATE: March 19, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran is currently diagnosed with a lumbar spine disability. He claims this disorder was caused by service when he slipped while climbing stairs and fell and hit his back on the steps as he went down.  In support of his claim, he submitted a medical opinion from Dr. J.D.; however, Dr. J.D. cited to medical evidence that included service treatment records from Kirk Army Hospital dated in 1973 but those records are not been associated with the claims file. Thus, a remand is needed to associate the evidence relied on by Dr. J.D. and provided a nexus opinion. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Identify and obtain any outstanding VA treatment records and associate them with the claims file.

2. Identify and obtain any outstanding service treatment records, specifically, records from Kirk Army Hospital dated 1973 and associate them with the claims file.

If those records are not obtained, the RO should indicate in the file all attempts at obtaining those records, including obtaining them from the Veteran.

3. Thereafter, direct the claims file to a clinician to address the etiology of the Veteran’s lumbar spine disorder.  Specifically, the clinician is asked to address the following:

•	whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that a lumbar spine disability is etiologically related to the Veteran’s service. 

The clinician is asked to consider the Veteran’s statements that he injured his back in service.

The rationale for all opinions must be provided. 

4. If the clinician determines that an examination is necessary in order to provide the requested opinion, then one should be scheduled.

 

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	T. Grzeczkowicz 

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.