Citation Nr: 18141617
Decision Date: 10/11/18	Archive Date: 10/11/18

DOCKET NO. 15-24 473
DATE:	October 11, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a disability rating higher than 10 percent for right shoulder strain with tenosynovitis and degenerative changes (“right shoulder disability”) is remanded.  
REASONS FOR REMAND
In the March 2014 Form VA-9, the Veteran asserted that his right shoulder disability increased in severity since he was last examined by VA in July 2012.  He described getting a steriod injection in April 2013, having aggravated pain in his right shoulder, and the necessity to continue to taking medication on a daily basis.  The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his right shoulder disability.   
The Board notes that in the March 2014 Form VA-9, the Veteran indicated an intent to file for increased disability claims for his service-connected bilateral shin splints disability.  VA mailed the Veteran a development letter in July 2015.  To the extent the Veteran contends that his service-connected bilateral shin splints disability warrants a compensable disability rating, he may file a claim.  If the Veteran wishes to file increased disability claims for his left shin splints and or right shin splints, he is encouraged to do so using the prescribed form which is available at the local Regional Office or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/).
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder disability.  The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran’s disability under the rating criteria.  
The examiner must test the Veteran’s active motion, passive motion, and pain with weight-bearing and without weight-bearing.  The examiner must also attempt to elicit information regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups, and the degree of functional loss during flare-ups.  
 
H.M. WALKER
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	T. Talamantes, Associate Counsel