Citation Nr: 18140382
Decision Date: 10/03/18	Archive Date: 10/02/18

DOCKET NO. 15-13 825
DATE:	October 3, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess 10 percent for a left index finger disability is remanded.
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left long finger disability is remanded.
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left hand scars is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served active duty in the United States Army from August 1978 to November 1980.
In June 2018, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge at a Video Conference hearing.  A copy of the transcript has been associated with the claims file.


1. An initial rating in excess 10 percent for a left index finger disability is remanded.
2. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left long finger disability is remanded.
3. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left hand scars is remanded.
The Veteran contends that his left index finger disability, left long finger disability, and left hand scars are such that they warrant a higher ratings.  
In a June 2018 Board hearing, the Veteran reported an increase in symptoms, including numbness and tingling.
The Veteran’s last VA examination was in April 2012.  When available evidence is too old for an adequate evaluation of the Veteran’s current condition, VA’s duty to assist includes providing a new examination.  Weggenmann v. Brown, 5 Vet. App. 281 (1993).  The Board finds that the April 2012 examination is unduly remote, and there is insufficient medical evidence on file from which the Board can accurately determine the current severity of the Veteran’s left hand disabilities.  As such, an additional examination is warranted to assess the current severity of the Veteran’s service-connected left index finger, left long finger, and left hand scars.  Therefore, a remand is necessary.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected left index finger, left long finger, and left hand scar disabilities.  The claims folder must be available to the examiner for review and the examiner must indicate that the review was completed.  Any medically indicated tests and studies must be completed.  The examiner must address the following: 
a.  Address all impairment and symptoms associated with the Veteran's service-connected left index finger and left long finger disabilities, to include range-of-motion testing.  In addition, address whether there is a neurological component to the Veteran's service-connected disability, to include the Veteran’s complaints of numbness.
b.  Provide all findings associated with the severity of the service-connected left hand scars.
 
JENNIFER HWA
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	C. Ford, Associate Counsel