Citation Nr: 21040088 Decision Date: 07/02/21 Archive Date: 07/02/21 DOCKET NO. 16-52 925 DATE: July 2, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from June 1969 to March 1972. The Veteran testified before the Board at a September 2019 videoconference hearing. A transcript of the hearing has been associated with the claims file. The Board remanded the claim in November 2019 for further developmentnamely, for a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding the etiology of the claimed disorder. The Board, however, finds that the December 2019 medical opinion issued in connection with the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability is inadequate. Thus, the Board determines that there has not been substantial compliance with the November 2019 remand directives as to the claim, and further remand is required. See Stegall v. West, 11 Vet. App. 268 (1998). Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disability The Veteran was afforded a VA Wrist Conditions examination in December 2019, at which time the examiner noted a diagnosis of chronic left wrist sprain. At the time of the examination, the Veteran stated that he injured his left wrist during military exercises and that, since that time, his left wrist hurts intermittently. The examiner opined that the condition claimed was less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. The examiner reasoned that there was no documented evidence of left wrist pain or condition during military service. Here, the opinion is inadequate as the examiner did not consider the Veteran's lay reports of continuous symptoms and relied solely on the absence of medical records in rendering a negative opinion. The Board notes that the Veteran is competent to report symptoms, treatment, and injuries observable to a layperson. Jandreau v. Nicholson, 492 F.3d 1372, 1377 (Fed. Cir. 2007). As such, remand is warranted to obtain an addendum opinion as to the etiology of the Veteran's left wrist disorder with consideration of all lay and medical evidence of record. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain an addendum opinion by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left wrist disorder. If the examiner determines that another examination is necessary, one should be scheduled. The examiner must review the complete record, including this Remand and the Board's prior Remand, and acknowledge said review in the rendered opinion. a) The examiner should first identify all currently diagnosed left wrist disorders of record. b) Then, provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that any identified left wrist disorder was caused by service, or is otherwise related to service. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements, to include the September 2019 hearing testimony, in formulating an opinion. Specifically, the examiner must consider the Veteran's September 2019 hearing testimony that he injured his wrist after falling off of the back of a truck while stationed in Korea, as well as the Veteran's statements, during the hearing and in his October 2016 Substantive Appeal, that he continues to have pain in his left wrist. A complete rationale should be provided for any opinions expressed. If the examiner is unable to provide any requested opinion without resorting to mere speculation, the examiner must provide a reasoned explanation for such conclusion. GAYLE STROMMEN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board T. Hanson, 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.