Citation Nr: 18154357
Decision Date: 11/29/18	Archive Date: 11/29/18

DOCKET NO. 16-47 536
DATE:	November 29, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for a low back residual surgical scar is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active air service from January 1985 to April 1988.  This matter comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a June 2015 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in St. Petersburg, Florida.  
Increased Rating – Low Back Residual Surgical Scar
A review of the record shows that the Veteran contends the severity of her service-connected low back scar is worse than reflected by the currently assigned noncompensable rating.  A review of the record shows that she has yet to be afforded a VA examination for her low back scar.  In her September 2016 substantive appeal, the Veteran indicated her low back scar was painful and itchy.  Therefore, the Board finds that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from her low back residual surgical scar.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Identify and obtain any pertinent, outstanding VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file.
2. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an examiner with sufficient expertise to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from her service-connected low back scar.  The claims file must be made available to, and reviewed by the examiner.  All indicated tests and studies must be performed.  The examiner must provide all information required for rating purposes.
3. Confirm that the VA examination report and any opinions provided comport with this remand, and undertake any other development found to be warranted.
4. Then, readjudicate the remaining issue on appeal.  If the decision remains adverse to the Veteran, issue a supplemental statement of the case and allow appropriate time for response.  Then, return the case to the Board.
 
Kristin Haddock
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Mariah N. Sim, Associate Counsel