Citation Nr: 18144775
Decision Date: 10/25/18	Archive Date: 10/25/18

DOCKET NO. 16-28 309
DATE:	October 25, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement of the left abductor complex is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service from August 2005 to July 2006.
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a December 2014 rating decision of the VA Regional Office (RO) in Winston-Salem.  The veterans service organization previously representing the Veteran revoked representation in January 2017, prior to certification of this case to the Board.
Entitlement to an increased rating for internal derangement of the left abductor complex
The Veteran’s most recent VA examination of the left hip was conducted in December 2014, nearly four years ago.  Recent VA treatment records (e.g., from November 2016) indicate that there a complaint of instability of the left hip, suggesting a possible increase in severity.  A new VA examination is thus “necessary” in this case.  38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(4).  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran and request authorization to obtain any outstanding records pertinent to her claim, including any private treatment records following proper VA procedures (38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)).
2. Then, afford the Veteran a VA orthopedic examination to determine the symptoms and severity of her left hip disorder. The entire claims file must be made available to the clinician, and the opinion should include discussion of the Veteran’s documented medical history and assertions. The most up-to-date Disability Benefits Questionnaire for hip disorders should be used, and all relevant findings indicated in that questionnaire must be addressed. All conclusions reached by the examiner should be thoroughly explained.

 
A. C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Evan Thomas Hicks