  We present an ultraviolet complete theory for the $R(D^*)$ and $R(D)$ anomaly
in terms of a low mass $W_R^\pm$ gauge boson of a class of left-right symmetric
models. These models, which are based on the gauge symmetry $SU(3)_c \times
SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R \times U(1)_{B-L}$, utilize vector-like fermions to
generate quark and lepton masses via a universal seesaw mechanism. A parity
symmetric version as well as an asymmetric version are studied. A light sterile
neutrino emerges naturally in this setup, which allows for new decay modes of
$B$-meson via right-handed currents. We show that these models can explain
$R(D^*)$ and $R(D)$ anomaly while being consistent with LHC and LEP data as
well as low energy flavor constraints arising from $K_L-K_S,
B_{d,s}-\bar{B}_{d,s}$, $D-\bar{D}$ mixing, etc., but only for a limited range
of the $W_R$ mass: $1.2\, (1.8)~{\rm TeV} \leq M_{W_R}\leq 3~ {\rm TeV}$ for
parity asymmetric (symmetric) Yukawa sectors. The light sterile neutrinos
predicted by the model may be relevant for explaining the MiniBoone and LSND
neutrino oscillation results. The parity symmetric version of the model
provides a simple solution to the strong CP problem without relying on the
axion. It also predicts an isospin singlet top partner with a mass $M_T =
(1.5-2.5)$ TeV.
