Citation Nr: 21064467
Decision Date: 10/20/21	Archive Date: 10/20/21

DOCKET NO. 16-50 597
DATE: October 20, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip contusion is remanded.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right hip limitation of flexion is remanded.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for thigh impairment associated with right hip contusion is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from April 1987 to December 2011.

1. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip contusion is remanded.

2. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right hip limitation of flexion is remanded.

3. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for thigh impairment associated with right hip contusion is remanded.

This case has been remanded by the Board twice previously. Unfortunately, the Board finds remand is again necessary as additional examinations would be helpful to assess the Veteran's disability picture. The evidence shows the Veteran suffered a contusion injury in service and elected to return to duty rather than having fluid drained. During the July 2013 and August 2021 examinations, the Veteran did not report having any functional loss or impairment in his hip. Rather, in his November 2013 notice of disagreement and October 2016 Form 9, he reported disfigurement and the contusion protruding significantly. The September 2019 examiner measured a two-centimeter difference in circumference between the left and right thighs but full strength on testing. Given the nature of the Veteran's disability, the Board finds helpful information may be obtained by scheduling the Veteran for muscle and skin examinations to evaluate his hip contusion.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain and associate with the claims file any outstanding VA treatment records.

2. Schedule the Veteran for muscle and skin examinations for his right hip contusion. The examiner(s) should measure and record all subjective reports and objective findings, including measurements of the contusion. 

 

 

A. S. CARACCIOLO

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	A.P. Armstrong

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.