Citation Nr: 22048010 Decision Date: 08/23/22 Archive Date: 08/23/22 DOCKET NO. 15-32 213 DATE: August 23, 2022 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active military service from October 1982 to March 1986. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from a March 2013 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In November 2018, the Veteran testified at a virtual hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). This case was previously before the Board in April 2020. It was remanded for further development. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded. 2. Entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder is remanded. 3. Entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder is remanded. The Veteran's service treatment records show that he was treated for pain in his right shoulder and both knees during service. In the April 2020 remand, the Board directed the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) to obtain adequate examinations for his shoulder and knees. Following the issuance of this decision, the Veteran was incarcerated. Although the AOJ attempted (through QTC) to schedule examinations for the Veteran, the Warden W.D. of the facility explained that the facility did not have authorization to draw labs or conduct any diagnostic testing for any outside providers or companies. The Warden W.D. further noted that QTC is unable to transport or have an incarcerated veteran transported to an outside facility. AOJ, though QTC, made three attempts for the examinations. The Board finds that an opinion would be most appropriate in this circumstance. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service, to include treatment for shoulder pain in May 1985. The clinician should review the entire claims file and consider the Veteran's consistent reports that his shoulder pain has continued since that time. The clinician is advised that the Veteran is competent to report injuries and symptoms in service, regardless of the contents of the service treatment records, and that the Veteran's reports must be considered. The rationale for any opinions should also be provided 2. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service, to include treatment for his knees in October 1985, January 1986, and February 1986 during service. 3. The clinician should review the entire claims file and consider the Veteran's consistent reports that his knee pain has continued since that time. The clinician is advised that the Veteran is competent to report injuries and symptoms in service, regardless of the contents of the service treatment records, and that the Veteran's reports must be considered. The rationale for any opinions should also be provided 4. Readjudicate the Veteran's claim, with application of all appropriate laws, regulations, and case law, and consideration of any additional information obtained as a result of this remand. If the decision remains adverse to the Veteran, he and his attorney should be furnished a supplemental statement of the case and afforded an appropriate period of time within which to respond thereto. KRISTI L. GUNN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board T. Samadani, 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.