Citation Nr: 20003147 Decision Date: 01/14/20 Archive Date: 01/14/20 DOCKET NO. 18-14 503 DATE: January 14, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance of another person is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from July 1965 to August 1966. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). The Veteran completed a general release for medical provider information, VA Form 21-4142a, identifying private medical treatment records from Dr. Manuel Austria of the Virgen Milagrosa Medical Center and Dr. Antonio Espino of the Nazareth Medical Center. There is no indication that the private records have been requested and remand is required to request the records; short certifications from the doctors have been received, but by submitting the releases, the Veteran has indicated there are additional relevant records outstanding. Because the case is being remanded for additional development, updated VA treatment records should be obtained, and the Veteran should be provided a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected epilepsy requires the aid and attendance of another person. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Take appropriate steps to secure complete private medical treatment records from Dr. Manuel Austria of the Virgen Milagrosa Medical Center and Dr. Antonio Espino of the Nazareth Medical Center, to include requesting updated releases. 2. Obtain updated VA medical treatment records. 3. Schedule the Veteran for a VA aid and attendance examination. The examiner should address whether the Veteran’s service-connected disability results in blindness and whether his service-connected epilepsy requires the regular aid and attendance of another person. The examiner must clearly identify the functional impact of epilepsy symptoms. If visual acuity, cognitive function, or similar activity is impaired due to epilepsy, such must be clearly stated. The examiner must specifically state whether the Veteran requires observation and assistance due to the dangers presented by seizure risk. A full and complete rationale for all opinions expressed is required. (Continued on the next page)   4. Upon completion of the above, readjudicate the remanded issues. If the benefit sought remains denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case. The case should then be returned to the Board for review if otherwise in order. WILLIAM H. DONNELLY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board J. Seay, Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.