Citation Nr: 21027306
Decision Date: 05/05/21	Archive Date: 05/05/21

DOCKET NO. 18-03 992
DATE: May 5, 2021

REMANDED

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

Entitlement to service connection for sciatic nerve paralysis, left side is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for sciatic nerve paralysis, right side is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from October 1969 to March 1970.  He appeals a July 2016 rating decision denying entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and residual bilateral sciatica.

The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge in March 2021.  

A transcript of that hearing is of record.

1. Entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for sciatic nerve paralysis, left side is remanded.

3. Entitlement to service connection for sciatic nerve paralysis, right side is remanded.

The Veteran is seeking entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and residuals.  He testified at his March 2021 hearing that he had received medical treatment for his low back in the 1980's.  Specifically, the Veteran reported low back surgery by a Dr. W at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, WV.  It appears that these records are not a part of the claims file and the RO has not attempted to obtain them.  Therefore, on remand, the RO should attempt to obtain and/or associate all relevant and outstanding medical treatment records.    

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain any outstanding VA treatment records that are currently not of record.  Obtain any and all treatment records from United Hospital Center from the 1980's.  All records obtained should be associated with the claims file.  The RO is to document all attempts to obtain records and notify the Veteran if attempts to obtain these records fail.

2. The RO should undertake any additional development deemed necessary, including obtaining any VA examiner opinions.  

 

B.T. KNOPE

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Daniel Ballinger, Associate Counsel