Citation Nr: 18159835
Decision Date: 12/20/18	Archive Date: 12/20/18

DOCKET NO. 17-06 981
DATE:	December 20, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a compensable rating for service-connected right knee scar, status post shrapnel removal (claimed as knee condition), is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from November 2008 to February 2012.
The Veteran was last examined for his right knee scar in August 2016. While the mere passage of time is not a basis for requiring a new examination, recent evidence submitted by the Veteran suggests the possibility that the Veteran’s symptomatology has worsened during the relevant time. See January 2017 VA Form 9. Therefore, the Board finds that a remand is also necessary to assess the current severity of the right knee scar. See Snuffer v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 400, 403 (1997).
A review of the record also indicates that there may be outstanding medical treatment records pertinent to the claim. Notably, the Veteran indicated in his January 2017 VA Form 9 that he has seen multiple private orthopedic doctors for his disability, but only one set of private medical records from July 2016 have been associated with his claims file. In addition, the most recent VA treatment records are from April 2013. Therefore, the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain the updated records.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran and request authorization to obtain any outstanding records pertinent to the claim, including any private treatment records following proper VA procedures and VA treatment records dated since April 2013. 
2. After completing the requested development, the RO must arrange for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination to evaluate the current nature and severity of his right knee scar. A copy of this remand and all relevant medical records should be made available to the examiner. The examiner should review the pertinent evidence, including the Veteran’s lay assertions, and undertake any indicated studies. All functional effects of the scar must be addressed. All opinions and conclusions reached by the examiner should be thoroughly explained.
 
 A. C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Department of Veterans Affairs