Citation Nr: 18149911
Decision Date: 11/14/18	Archive Date: 11/14/18

DOCKET NO. 17-58 636
DATE:	November 14, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic left hip strain is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Board notes that in the September 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case, the RO acknowledged that it would address the Veteran’s appeals for higher ratings for bilateral foot disabilities, which have been the subject of a March 2018 Notice of Disagreement, in a separate Statement of the Case; as such, these issues are not addressed herein.  
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic left hip strain is remanded.
Although the Board regrets any additional delay, remand is necessary to obtain additionally identified VA and private treatment records relevant to the Veteran’s claim.  Specifically, in recently submitted October 2018 correspondence, the Veteran indicates that he has been receiving VA medical treatment for his hip since VA treatment records were last associated with the record and references private care not otherwise reflected in the record.  In accordance with VA’s duty to assist, such records must be obtained prior to adjudication of the claim.  A new examination for the hips may be scheduled if the evidence warrants a change in the Veteran’s disability picture.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Obtain all outstanding VA treatment records dated to the present.
2. Follow proper protocol and assist the Veteran to obtain the necessary information/authorization for any identified, relevant private treatment records.  Associate the records with the file.
3. After obtaining necessary records, determine if a new examination is warranted to assess the Veteran’s current disability picture and, if so, take appropriate steps to schedule and conduct such examination.
4. If any benefit sought is not granted in full, provide the Veteran and his representative an SSOC and afford an appropriate response period prior to returning the matter to the Board.
 
JEBBY RASPUTNIS
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD 	J. Nichols, Counsel