Citation Nr: 18153148
Decision Date: 11/27/18	Archive Date: 11/27/18

DOCKET NO. 16-49 955
DATE:	November 27, 2018
REMAND
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left trigeminal neuropathy is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from August 1978 to July 1985.
This matter came before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2014 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).  
A review of the records shows that the Veteran was afforded a VA examination in March 2014.  In the examination, the Veteran complained of a small patch of numbness of the left chin and muscle spasms.  On examination, the Veteran exhibited severe numbness in the lower face and decreased sensation in the left lower face, but normal muscle strength.  Based on the findings, the examiner determined that the Veteran had moderate incomplete paralysis of the left trigeminal cranial nerve. 
A review of the records indicates that Dr. M.N. noted in October 2016 correspondence that the Veteran exhibited radiating pain to her ear, neck and cervical regions of her head.  See October 2016 Buddy/Lay Statement; Medical Treatment Record-Non-Government Facility.  Further, there is multiple third-party statements attesting that the Veteran exhibited jaw spasms and numbness.  See December 2009 Buddy/Lay Statement; May 2010 Buddy /Lay Statement records; and April 2014 Buddy/Lay Statement.  
It is unclear to the Board whether the symptomatology of pain radiating to the Veteran’s ear and neck is contemplated by Diagnostic Code 8205 (fifth trigeminal cranial nerve).  The Board notes that it does not appear that these symptoms were addressed by the March 2014 VA examiner.  Accordingly, a remand is necessary to address the current severity of her service-connected neuropathy.
Reasons for Remand:
1.  Obtain any outstanding VA records and private treatment records identified by the Veteran.
2.  Thereafter, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to evaluate her service-connected neuropathy.  The examiner should identify all affected nerves and associated symptomatology, and address the October 2016 statement from Dr. M.N. indicating that the Veteran has pain radiating to her ear, neck, and cervical regions of her head.  
 
S. HENEKS
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	P. Noh, Associate Counsel