Citation Nr: 18143116
Decision Date: 10/18/18	Archive Date: 10/17/18

DOCKET NO. 16-22 804
DATE:	October 18, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbosacral strain is remanded.
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left nose scar status post removal of basal cell cancer is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
1. Lumbosacral Strain
The Veteran received a VA examination in March 2014.  Since that examination, the Veteran has submitted multiple lay statements indicating that his back pain has worsened.  Additionally, the Veteran stated his back pain now radiates down his legs causing numbness in his toes.  The Board finds a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s disability. 
2. Left Nose Scar 
Similarly, the Board notes the Veteran received a VA examination for his left nose scar in March 2014.  The Veteran submitted pictures of his nose in January 2015 showing how his scar has worsened.  The Board finds a new VA examination is necessary, so the examiner can consider this additional evidence.  
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 his lumbosacral sprain disability.  The entire claims file and a copy of this remand must be made available to the examiner for review, and the examiner must specifically acknowledge receipt and review of these materials in any reports generated. 
Additionally, the examiner must should range of motion testing in the following areas for the lumbar spine:
• Active motion;
• Passive motion;
• Weight-bearing; and
• Nonweight-bearing

If the examiner is unable to conduct the required testing or concludes that the required testing is not necessary in this case, he or she should clearly explain why that is so.
The examiner must provide all findings, along with a complete rationale for any opinions provided.
2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination with an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his left nose scars.  The entire claims file and a copy of this remand must be made available to the examiner for review, and the examiner must specifically acknowledge receipt and review of these materials in any reports generated. 
Although an independent review of the claims file is required, the Board calls the examiner’s attention to the following, the Veteran’s picture of his left nose scars from January 2015. 
The examiner must provide all findings, along with a complete rationale for any opinions provided.
3. Then, readjudicate the claims.  If any decision is adverse to the Veteran, issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case and allow the applicable time for response.  Then return the case to the Board.
 
N. RIPPEL
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	R. Brunot, Associate Counsel