Citation Nr: 18141339
Decision Date: 10/10/18	Archive Date: 10/10/18

DOCKET NO. 15-29 063
DATE:	October 10, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of a right ring finger fracture is remanded.
Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of right little finger fracture is remanded.
Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of a maxilla fracture is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty with the United States Marine Corps from October 1966 to October 1970.  This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an October 2013 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).  The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at a hearing in March 2017.
Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of fractures of the maxilla, right ring finger, and right little finger is remanded.
At the March 2017 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that residuals of the maxilla fracture and right hand fractures he suffered in service have worsened since the most recent VA examination in March 2013.  Specifically, he reported that he has worsening sinus problems, headaches, increased sensitivity to seasonal allergies, and dental problems due to the maxilla fracture.  He also reported decreased mobility and strength in his right ring and little fingers.  
Because it appears that the disabilities have worsened since the last evaluation, new VA examinations are necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s finger and maxilla fracture residuals.  See Palczewski v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 174, 181-82 (2007); Snuffer v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 400, 403 (1997).
The Board notes that the Veteran is also service-connected for residuals of a nose fracture arising from the same accident during service, some of which were evaluated in an April 2017 VA examination.  The Board further notes that VA has previously determined that certain dental issues are not related to the Veteran’s maxilla injury.  However, the Board finds a new examination is appropriate for residuals of the maxilla fracture, as the Veteran reported symptoms not contemplated by the most recent VA examination of conditions of the nose, and the dental complaints appear to have changed somewhat since the most recent dental examination in December 2009.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination with an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s service-connected residuals of a maxilla fracture, including nasal respiratory issues and dental issues.  If any of the Veteran’s claimed symptoms are not related to the service-connected residuals of a maxilla fracture, please explain why the claimed symptoms are not related to the service-connected disability.
 
2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination with an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s service-connected residuals of right ring and little finger fractures.
 
M. HYLAND
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	K. Josey, Associate Counsel