Citation Nr: 21027107
Decision Date: 05/04/21	Archive Date: 05/04/21

DOCKET NO. 16-28 070
DATE: May 4, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for a finger disability of the right hand is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from June 2002 to September 2002, and from January 2004 to March 2005.

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a rating decision issued in April 2016 by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). The matter was Remanded by the Board in June 2020 to obtain an VA examination and opinion. 

Following physical examination in October 2020, the Veteran was diagnosed as having Depuytren's contracture and palmer fasciitis in the right hand. The nature and etiology of the palmar fasciitis was discussed. The only comment made with respect to the Depuytren's contracture was that it was a distinct condition from palmer fasciitis but which could be associated with that condition. Reference was made to Depuytren's contracture being diagnosed subsequent to the diagnosis of palmar fasciitis. However, there was no actual discussion as to whether the Depuytren's contracture was related to the Veteran's active service.  An addendum opinion is thereby needed

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner who provided the October 2020 medical opinion. A copy of this REMAND must be provided to and reviewed by the examiner along with the claims file. The examiner is specifically asked to answer the following:

a.	Whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of Depuytren's contracture, palmer fasciitis or both?

b.	If the Veteran has a diagnosis of Depuytren's contracture, whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that his condition had its initial onset in service, within a year of service discharge, or is etiologically related to active service. 

The examiner should state whether any identified disability is consistent with the history described by the Veteran. 

 

 

MICHAEL A. HERMAN

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.