Citation Nr: 21064231
Decision Date: 10/19/21	Archive Date: 10/19/21

DOCKET NO. 20-02 386
DATE: October 19, 2021

REMANDED

A compensable rating for impingement of the right hip.

A compensable rating for limitation of flexion of the left hip.

A rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of adduction of the left hip.

 

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from January 2003 to November 2014. 

The claim is on appeal from a March 2017 rating decision.

In October 2021, the Veteran testified at a Board hearing.

1. A compensable rating for impingement of the right hip.

2. A compensable rating for limitation of flexion of the left hip.

3. A rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of adduction of the left hip.

The Veteran contends that he is entitled to higher ratings for his service-connected right and left hip conditions, with decreased daily functioning and quality of life.  At his October 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that the severity of his symptoms has gotten worse since his most recent October 2020 VA examination.

The Board finds that a remand is warranted for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right and left hip disabilities.  See Snuffer v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 400 (1997).

In light of the remand, updated VA treatment records should be obtained.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain any updated VA treatment records since August 2020.

2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination (or telehealth interview, review of the record, etc., if an in-service examination is not feasible) by an appropriate clinician to ascertain the current severity of his right and left hip disabilities.  

Consideration should be given to the Veteran's statements regarding the severity of his conditions throughout the appeal period.

A complete rationale should be provided for all opinions reached.

 

 

RYAN T. KESSEL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.