Citation Nr: 18160324
Decision Date: 12/26/18	Archive Date: 12/26/18

DOCKET NO. 16-25 210
DATE:	December 26, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for post prostatectomy adenocarcinoma of the prostate is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The appellant is a Veteran who served on active duty from July 1966 to March 1970.  This matter is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2015 rating decision.  In December 2018 a videoconference hearing was held before the undersigned.  
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for post prostatectomy prostate, cancer.
In April 2015 correspondence, the Veteran stated that he receives treatment at the Lufkin and Houston VA Medical Centers.  The Veteran’s medical records in the claims file have not been updated since August 2016; available records show that he receives ongoing VA treatment for prostate cancer residuals.  records of his VA evaluation and treatment may contain pertinent information, are constructively of the record, and must be secured.
Furthermore, the current 60 percent rating has been assigned on the basis that the prostate cancer residuals of voiding dysfunction require wearing of absorbent materials that require change more than 4 times a day.  Where there has not been reoccurrence or metastasis, a higher schedular rating may be warranted for renal dysfunction residuals. In his December 2018 hearing testimony, the Veteran indicated that his prostate cancer residuals have increased in severity since he was last examined by VA in June 2015 (and requested to be re-examined).  Under these circumstances, a contemporaneous examination to assess the disability is necessary.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following:
1. Secure for the record complete updated (from August 2026 to the present) clinical records of all VA evaluations and treatment the Veteran has received for prostate cancer residuals.  
2. Then arrange for the Veteran to be examined by an appropriate clinician to assess the current severity of his prostate cancer residuals.  His claims file must be reviewed by the examiner in conjunction with the examination.  Findings should include all information necessary for rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.115a. 
 
GEORGE R. SENYK
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N. Staskowski, Associate Counsel