Citation Nr: 18146804
Decision Date: 11/01/18	Archive Date: 11/01/18

DOCKET NO. 16-01 136
DATE:	November 1, 2018
REMANDED


The issue of an initial rating of more than 10 percent since April 8, 2009, for ulcerative colitis is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served in the U.S. Navy from June 1971 to April 1973.
The issue of an initial rating of more than 10 percent since April 8, 2009, for ulcerative colitis is remanded.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Reasons for the remand:
The Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination since December 2012. VA treatment records since that time are unclear as to the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms, the frequency of his exacerbations, and the effect of his ulcerative colitis on his overall health. Therefore, remand is necessary to obtain an updated examination.
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to obtain an opinion as to the current nature of his ulcerative colitis. All indicated tests and studies should be accomplished and the findings reported in detail. 
All relevant medical records must be made available to the examiner for review of pertinent documents. The examination report should specifically state that such a review was conducted. The examiner must provide a comprehensive explanation for all opinions provided.
The examiner should indicate whether the Veteran’s disability is: (1) moderate with infrequent exacerbations; (2) moderately severe with frequent exacerbations; (3) severe with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition, with health only fair during remissions; or (4) pronounced and resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complication as liver abscess. 
3. Readjudicate the issue on appeal. If the benefit sought on appeal remains denied, the Veteran should be provided a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). An appropriate period should be allowed for response before the case is returned to the Board.
 
Vito A. Clementi
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	J. E. Miller, Associate Counsel