Citation Nr: 25004086 Decision Date: 03/26/25 Archive Date: 03/26/25 DOCKET NO. 20-02 218 DATE: March 26, 2025 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a right wrist condition is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist condition is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The veteran served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from July 2004 to June 2010. These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2018 rating decision by the Regional Office (RO). An August 2023 Board decision denied the Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claims. A February 2024 order of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims granted a joint motion by the parties to partially vacate the Board decision, and the wrist claims were remanded to the Board for further appellate review. A September 2024 Board decision granted the application to reopen the claims, and remanded the claims for further development. These matters are now returned to the Board for further appellate review. The September 2024 Board decision also remanded a claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU). The RO has not yet re-certified the issue of entitlement to a TDIU to the Board. See also JMR, February 2024. Therefore, the TDIU claim will be the subject of a separate Board decision. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a right wrist condition is remanded. 2. Entitlement to service connection for a left wrist condition is remanded. The Veteran asserts he has bilateral wrist conditions that had their onset during his active service or are otherwise related to his active service. He reported in a February 2019 statement that he overused his wrists in service carrying heavy pots and pans as a food service specialist and performing drills while carrying a rifle, and he believes he may have carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's April 2010 separation report of medical history shows he checked the boxes "yes" and "no" regarding whether he experienced a "painful shoulder, elbow, or wrist" (Box 12), but his written explanation for that answer on the form was "I have trouble running in boots and UTIs. Now the problem is resolved." See STR, July 2010 at p.68-69 of 99. His post-service treatment records do not show any complaint or treatment for any right wrist problems. Regarding his left wrist, March 2014 and March 2015 VA treatment records show he reported left wrist pain since service. See CAPRI, July 2018 at p.131 and 196. June 2023 to August 2023 VA treatment records show further complaints of left wrist pain. See CAPRI, December 2023 at p.39 and 50. A December 2024 VA examiner diagnosed bilateral wrist tendonitis and opined it is less likely than not related to the Veteran's active service. The examiner reasoned in part that the service treatment records, and post-service VA treatment records were silent for complaints or treatment until 2023. However, as discussed above, the VA treatment records show the Veteran first complained of left wrist pain in 2014, not 2023. Also, there is no record of complaint of right wrist trouble in any of the VA treatment records. In addition, the examiner did not address whether the Veteran has carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, the Board finds that the December 2024 VA examination report is not adequate upon which to base a decision on the claims, and the claims should be remanded so that a new VA examination may be provided to clarify the nature and etiology of the claimed bilateral wrist conditions. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Afford the Veteran a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral wrist conditions. The complete claims folder must be provided to the examiner for review in conjunction with the examination, and the examiner must note that the claims folder has been reviewed. The examiner should opine as to the medical possibility that the Veteran has a right and left wrist condition that was caused by his active service - including but not limited to whether the Veteran has carpal tunnel syndrome. Please direct the VA examiner's attention to the April 2010 separation report of medical history, including box 12 and the explanation for box 12, as well as March 2014, March 2015, June 2023, and August 2023 VA treatment records showing complaint of left wrist pain. See CAPRI, July 2018 at p.131 and 196, and December 2023 at p.39, 50, 420; STR, July 2010 at p.68-69 of 99. Also please direct the VA examiner's attention to the Veteran's February 2019 statement in which he reported he overused his wrists in service carrying heavy pots and pans as a food service specialist, and performing drills carrying a rifle, but did not get treatment for fear of being given a hard time, and in which he reported current symptoms of clicking, popping, and soreness, and a belief that he may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Finally, please direct the VA examiner's attention to the article submitted by the Veteran or his representative in February 2025 regarding underreporting of injuries. The examiner must provide a complete rationale for his or her opinion(s) in the examination report. If any of the above requested opinions cannot be made without resort to speculation, the examiner must state this and provide a rationale for such conclusion. Paulette Vance Burton Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board J. Juliano, 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.