Citation Nr: 18155467
Decision Date: 12/04/18	Archive Date: 12/04/18

DOCKET NO. 17-17 913
DATE:	December 4, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder with fibrosis (COPD), bronchiectasis and asbestosis is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran asserts a higher disability rating is warranted for his service-connected COPD. During a December 2015 VA examination, a pulmonary function test (PFT) was not able to be performed after multiple failed attempts. The Veteran submitted a private PFT report dated in March 2017. In an April 2017 substantive appeal, the Veteran indicated he had private treatment for his COPD. However, the only private treatment record in the file is the March 2017 PFT report. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain any outstanding private treatment records relevant to the Veteran’s claim.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
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Ask the Veteran to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for Dr. Reel. Make two requests for the authorized records from Dr. Reel unless it is clear after the first request that a second request would be futile.
 
M. Tenner 
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Diane M. Donahue Boushehri, Counsel