14-32 880, 14-32 880

Veteran served in the U.S. Army, Sept 1952–Sept 1954; claims current low back disorder is service‑connected after a fall in basic training and/or secondary to a service‑connected right inguinal hernia.
Available service treatment records (including Sept 1954 separation exam) contain no complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of a low back disorder.
Post‑service and VA treatment records (1994–2013) document chronic low back pain, treatment including manipulation/physical therapy, restricted ROM, positive Kemp's test, and a recent report of a fractured back and hospitalization in Danville, IL.
Veteran reports in‑service fall and treatment at Camp Stoneman (records unavailable).
RO initially denied service connection in July 2013; Veteran appealed and the Board advanced the appeal on the docket and remanded for development.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Entitlement to service connection for low back disorder	Veteran: low back disorder caused by in‑service fall and/or aggravated by service‑connected right inguinal hernia	VA/RO: no in‑service documentation of low back disorder; denied service connection	Board remanded for further development and VA examination to obtain nexus opinions and outstanding records

McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006) (duty to develop when evidence raises a reasonable possibility of service connection)
Kutscherousky v. West, 12 Vet. App. 369 (1999) (claimant may submit additional evidence after remand; procedures regarding additional evidence)