Citation Nr: 21061389
Decision Date: 10/01/21	Archive Date: 10/01/21

DOCKET NO. 18-04 176
DATE: October 1, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to an increased rating for left fifth finger disability is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from May 2006 to April 2010. 

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2017 rating decision of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

In August 2020, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A transcript of the proceeding has been associated with the claims file.

The Veteran testified that her left fifth finger disability has increased in severity. The Veteran noted that her left hand spasms, which renders her unable to use her hand until the spasm subsides. She additionally described shooting pains that go from her fingertip into her arm. Given the Veteran's testimony, the Board finds an examination to assess the neurological impairment of the Veteran's left fifth finger disability is warranted. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected left fifth finger disability.

The examiner should identify and diagnose any neurological impairment related to the Veteran's left fifth finger.  If any impairment of the hand is present that is unrelated to the Veteran's service connected disability, the examiner is asked to make that distinction clear in any report provided.  

2. The examiner should provide a rationale for all opinions or estimates expressed. If an opinion or estimate cannot be provided without resort to speculation, the examiner must state whether the inability is due to the limits of the examiner's medical knowledge; the limits of medical knowledge in general; or if there is additional evidence, which if obtained, would permit the needed opinion to be provided.

3. Thereafter, readjudicate the issues on appeal.

 

 

MICHAEL E. KILCOYNE

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	V. Geer, 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.