Citation Nr: 21032375 Decision Date: 05/26/21 Archive Date: 05/26/21 DOCKET NO. 17-38 168 DATE: May 26, 2021 REMANDED Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded. Service connection for neurological problems of the left hand is remanded. Service connection for neurological problems of the right hand is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from February 1969 to December 1971. The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge at a hearing in February 2021; a copy of the transcript is of record. Lumbar Spine Bilateral Hands Board notes that no examinations of the claimed conditions have been afforded to the Veteran. Upon review of the record, and in consideration of the Veteran's February 2021 hearing testimony, the Board finds that remand is necessary as the low threshold for obtaining such an examination and medical opinion has been met in this case. See 38U.S.C. §5103A (d); McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79, 81 (2006). The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Contact the Veteran and afford him the opportunity to identify by name, address, and dates of treatment or examination any relevant private medical treatment records for his lumbar spine and bilateral hand disabilities. After securing the proper authorizations where necessary, arrange to obtain all the records of treatment or examination from all the sources listed by the Veteran that are not already on file. All information obtained must be made part of the file. All attempts to secure this evidence must be documented in the claims file, and if, after making two efforts to obtain named records, they are not able to be secured, provide the required notice and opportunity to respond to the Veteran and his representative. 2. After receipt of any records as requested above or after receipt of confirmation that no such records are available, schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine and bilateral hands disorders. The claims file should be made available to the examiner for review. The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran's lumbar spine and/or bilateral hand disorders were incurred in, or due to, the Veteran's service. The Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptomology, specifically his February 2021 hearing testimony, should be recorded and considered. A rationale for all opinions must be provided. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Parrish, 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.