Citation Nr: 20011981 Decision Date: 02/12/20 Archive Date: 02/12/20 DOCKET NO. 16-39 676 DATE: February 12, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for residuals of post-operative left (dominant extremity) wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from December 1985 to December 1991. In October 2019, the Veteran testified in a videoconference hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A copy of the hearing transcript is of record and has been reviewed. A remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to help determine the current severity of the left wrist disability and to ensure all relevant symptoms are accounted for. Specifically, during the October 2019 Board hearing, the Veteran testified of having some neurological symptoms. Notably, pursuant to DC 5010-5215, the Veteran is in receipt of the highest schedular rating available; however, it is not clear whether any of the neurological symptoms are related to the service-connected residuals of post-operative left wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis. In this regard, the Board notes that the Veteran was last provided a VA examination in April 2012, at which time, the examiner found no objective evidence of a neurological disorder, but then provided a negative opinion regarding atrophy. Subsequent to the hearing, the Veteran submitted copies of VA treatment records that show neurological findings; however, it is unclear what is the severity of any of any neurological symptom and whether any symptoms are related to the service-connected disability. In any event, although the “passage of time” is not a valid basis, unto itself, to provide the Veteran with another VA examination, under the facts of this case, there also seem to be worsening of the symptoms since the last VA examination in 2012. Accordingly, a new VA examination is necessary prior to deciding the claim on the merits. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Ensure that all outstanding VA treatment records are associated with the claims file. 2. Then, provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination to help determine the current severity of the residuals of a left wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis, to include any associated neurological symptoms. The claims file and a copy of this remand will be made available to the examiner, who will acknowledge receipt and review of these materials. After a review of the record and examination of the Veteran, the examiner is asked to respond to the following: (a) Elicit from the Veteran all signs and symptoms of the diagnosed left wrist disability during the pendency of the appeal, to specifically include information regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups. (b) Address all neurological symptoms reported by the Veteran and indicate whether any reported symptom is related to the service-connected left wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis. See e.g., VBMS entry titled “Medical Treatment Record - Government Facility” on 12/05/2019. A complete rationale should be provided for all opinions. 3. Thereafter, readjudicate the remanded claim. JAMES G. REINHART Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Yaffe, Associate 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.