Citation Nr: 23019028 Decision Date: 03/28/23 Archive Date: 03/28/23 DOCKET NO. 19-02 467 DATE: March 28, 2023 REMANDED Service connection for left shoulder bursitis is remanded. Service connection for right shoulder bursitis is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from July 2009 to May 2012. His service decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. Left Shoulder Right Shoulder The Veteran has stated that his bilateral shoulder bursitis is related to his active duty service. A November 2015 VA examination did not find a link between the Veteran's active duty service, to include his in-service report of bilateral shoulder symptomology, and his current diagnosis of bilateral shoulder bursitis. The Veteran has stated that the November 2015 VA examination was inadequate as the examiner did not provide a full rationale as to why the Veteran's bursitis was not related to his in-service complaint of bilateral shoulder popping and a needle sensation. See June 2020 informal hearing presentation (IHP). The Board concurs and finds that remand is necessary to obtain a new VA examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder bursitis. 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 VA or private medical treatment records for his bilateral shoulder disorder. 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 any named private records, they are not able to be secured, provide the required notice and opportunity to respond to the Veteran and his representative. 2. Thereafter, and specifically after any records identified by the Veteran pursuant to directive number 1, above, have been obtained if possible and associated with the record, schedule the Veteran for an examination by an orthopedist (M.D.) if possible, to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder bursitis. If an orthopedist is unavailable, schedule the Veteran for an examination with a qualified physician (M.D.). 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 (likelihood is at least approximately balanced or nearly equal, if not higher) that the Veteran's bilateral shoulders bursitis was incurred in, or due to, the Veteran's service. The examiner is asked to note the Veteran's service treatment records wherein he was shown to have reported shoulder popping and a needle sensation after physical training. See February 2012 report of medical history. The Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptomology should be recorded and considered. A rationale for all opinions must be provided. Ardie A. Bland Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Parrish 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.