Citation Nr: 22020005
Decision Date: 04/04/22	Archive Date: 04/04/22

DOCKET NO. 16-25 543
DATE: April 4, 2022

REMANDED

Service connection for a low back disability is remanded.

Service connection for a neck disability is remanded.

Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.

Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded.

Service connection for hypertension is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served honorably on active duty in the United States Army from May to September 1971 along with service in the United States Army Reserves. 

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2013 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

The Veteran attended a videoconference hearing before the undersigned in June 2019.  In August 2019 and September 2021, the Board remanded this matter for additional development.

In March 2020, the Veteran underwent VA examinations for his claims.  The examiner provided an opinion, but their opinion and rationale are contradictory.  For all claims, the examiner marked it was less likely than not that the Veteran's disability was incurred in or caused by service.  However, in providing the rationale the examiner stated they "cannot say less likely than not if the current condition had causal origins in service or otherwise related to the Veteran's active duty service."  This rationale is unclear with the given opinion, and as such the Board finds all opinions provided to be inadequate.  Accordingly, a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion.

The matters are REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's back, neck, and bilateral knee disabilities are at least as likely as not related to service.  A complete rationale for all opinions must be provided.

2. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension at least as likely as not began during service or is otherwise related to service.  A complete rationale must be provided.

 

 

JOHN Z. JONES

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.