Citation Nr: 23019477 Decision Date: 03/29/23 Archive Date: 03/29/23 DOCKET NO. 19-07 264A DATE: March 29, 2023 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, to include as secondary to lumbar strain, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from Army from September 1992 to June 1996. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a May 2017 rating decision by the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veteran is seeking service connection for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, to include as secondary to lumbar strain. The Veteran submitted an October 2016 VA back conditions disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) completed by Dr. WJ. Dr. WJ indicated the Veteran was diagnosed with radiculopathy of the left lower extremity in July 2016. However, no attempt was made to obtain treatment records from Dr. WJ or any other provider regarding the Veteran's claimed sciatica. On remand, an attempt to obtain private medical records reflecting treatment for and/or a diagnosis of sciatica should be made. The Veteran was afforded a VA back examination in March 2017. The VA examiner indicated the Veteran did not have radiculopathy of any extremity. The VA examiner noted, but did not discuss, the Veteran's service treatment records which reflected lower back pain and radiating pain and the private opinion dated "July 2016" which reflected the Veteran's complaints of lower back pain radiating down the left leg. The Board finds the opinion is inadequate for adjudication purposes as it did not address the findings of the October 2016 private opinion. On remand, a new VA examination should be scheduled to determine the current nature and etiology of any disability of the left lower extremity. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Take appropriate steps to obtain complete treatment records from private medical providers, including Dr. WJ, II, to include securing any necessary releases from the Veteran. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA peripheral nerves examination. The claims folder must be reviewed in conjunction with the examination. The examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (likelihood is at least approximately balanced or nearly equal, if not higher) that any current diagnosed left leg condition back disability is caused or aggravated (permanently worsened beyond its natural progression) by service or a service-connected disability, to include the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain. A full and complete rationale for all opinions expressed is required. The examiner must discuss the findings of Dr. WJ, II. 3. Upon completion of the above, readjudicate the remanded issues. If the benefits sought remain denied, the Veteran should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case. The case should then be returned to the Board for appellate review if otherwise in order. WILLIAM H. DONNELLY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Margaret M. Lunger, 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.