Citation Nr: 18149390
Decision Date: 11/09/18	Archive Date: 11/09/18

DOCKET NO. 16-42 201
DATE:	November 9, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for inguinal strain is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from November 2010 to February 2013.  This matter is on appeal from a June 2016 rating decision.
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for inguinal strain is remanded.
In her July 2016 notice of disagreement (NOD), the Veteran reported reciving physical therapy through the VA Choice program for this disability.  A remand is required to allow VA to obtain authorization and request these records. 
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. In accordance with the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(1), make efforts to obtain all records identified by the Veteran, including any outstanding VA treatment records and physical therapy records through the VA Choice program.
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA medical examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected inguinal strain.  The most up-to-date Disability Benefits Questionnaire should be utilized.  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 should describe if the Veteran's disability is “slight,” “moderate,” “moderately severe,” or “severe” in severity.  To the extent possible, the examiner should identify any symptoms and functional impairments due to the inguinal strain alone and discuss the effect of the Veteran’s inguinal strain on any occupational functioning and activities of daily living.  All opinions must be supported by a rationale.
 
A. C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	L. Barstow, Counsel