Citation Nr: 22056074 Decision Date: 10/04/22 Archive Date: 10/04/22 DOCKET NO. 19-33 055 DATE: October 4, 2022 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from August 1971 to August 1995. This matter comes to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a November 2017 rating decision by the Regional Office (RO) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veteran presented testimony at a Board hearing in February 2022. A transcript of the hearing is associated with the Veteran's claims folder. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded. 2. Entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is remanded. 3. Entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability is remanded. 4. Entitlement to a left knee disability is remanded. 5. Entitlement to a right knee disability is remanded. Upon review of the claims file, the Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim can be adjudicated. 38 U.S.C. § 5103A; 38 C.F.R. § 3.159. The Veteran was afforded VA examinations and a medical opinion in November 2017. The Board notes that a single medical opinion was proffered for all of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The November 2017 VA examiner opined that the claimed disabilities were less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service event. In rendering this opinion, the examiner indicated that the Veteran's January 1994 car accident was a "trivial event," as evidenced by the fact that he was not put on profile following the accident. The examiner additionally noted minimal post-discharge treatment. Finally, the examiner indicated that post-service x-rays suggested that his disabilities were age-related. (11/10/2017, C&P Exam, p. 2). The Board finds that the November 2017 examination and medical opinion is inadequate for evaluation purposes. In this regard, the November 2017 examiner did not address the Veteran's April 1995 retirement examination wherein he endorsed a medical history of painful joints and recurrent back pain. (5/10/2017, Medical Treatment Record, p. 26). Further, the examiner did not acknowledge that the Veteran underwent rehabilitation for a left knee injury, or that he was diagnosed with "wasting of the left leg" due to inadequate left knee rehabilitation. (6/9/2017, STR-Medical, p. 54, 65). Finally, the examiner did not address the explicitly raised theory that the Veteran's right knee disability was caused by the increased pressure placed on the right knee to compensate for the injury to the left knee. (2/23/2022, Hearing Transcript, p. 5). Based on the foregoing, the Board finds that the claims must be remanded for new examinations and medical opinions. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for a left shoulder disability. The examiner must review the claims file and provide a response to the following: Is the Veteran's left shoulder disability at least as likely as not related to service, including an injury sustained while playing intramural softball and/or a January 1994 car accident? 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for a low back disability. The examiner must review the claims file and provide a response to the following: Is the Veteran's low back disability at least as likely as not related to service, including a January 1994 car accident? In rendering the requested opinion, the examiner must address the Veteran's endorsement of recurrent back pain during his April 1995 retirement examination. (5/10/2017, Medical Treatment Record, p. 26). 3. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for a left hip disability. The examiner must review the claims file and provide a response to the following: Is the Veteran's left hip disability at least as likely as not related to service, including a January 1994 car accident? 4. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for left and right knee disability. The examiner must review the claims file and provide a response to the following: Is the Veteran's left knee disability at least as likely as not related to service, including an intramural sports accident that resulted in a tibial fracture and swelling of the left knee? (2/23/2022, Hearing Transcript, p. 2). Is the Veteran's right knee disability at least as likely as not related to service? Is the Veteran's right knee disability at least as likely as not proximately due to his claimed low back disability and/or his claimed left knee disability? Is the Veteran's right knee disability at least as likely as not aggravated, i.e., worsened beyond its natural progression, by his claimed low back disability and/or his claimed left knee disability? The examiner is advised that aggravation can include temporary worsening or flare-ups. If aggravation is found, the examiner should also state, to the extent possible, the baseline level of disability prior to aggravation. This may be ascertained by the medical evidence of record and by the Veteran's statements as to the nature, severity, and frequency of his observable symptoms over time. Eric S. Leboff Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board R. Glenn, 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.