Citation Nr: 21069169 Decision Date: 11/17/21 Archive Date: 11/17/21 DOCKET NO. 17-10 546 DATE: November 17, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative spinal disease and degenerative disc disease is remanded. Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for right eye glaucoma with traumatic cataract is remanded. Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for a right thumb fracture with degenerative changes is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served honorably in the Air Force from October 1972 to October 1996. A virtual hearing was held in August 2021 with the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) and a transcript has been associated with the record. 1. Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative spinal disease and degenerative disc disease is remanded. 2. Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for right eye glaucoma with traumatic cataract is remanded. 3. Entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for a right thumb fracture with degenerative changes is remanded. The Veteran contends that his conditions have worsened since his previous VA examinations and the Board observes that the Veteran last underwent VA examinations in May 2015, so some 6 years ago. Specifically, regarding his eye condition, the Veteran indicates he has experienced a decrease in visual acuity, a further restriction in visual field, and more recently, a tear in his iris that he believes is a result of his service-connected condition. He also indicates he has switched healthcare providers within the past year for his eye condition. Consequently, a remand is necessary to obtain his most recent treatment records and obtain a new VA examination. The Board also observes that the Veteran was previously examined in January 2011, to include measurement of his visual field via Goldmann chart. While the chart measurements are included in the examination, the chart, itself, has not been associated with the file. Therefore, on remand, the January 2011 Goldmann chart should also be associated with the claims file. Regarding his thumb and back conditions, he testified that he recently had a hand surgery and a back surgery in April and May, respectively. As mentioned, his last VA examinations for his hand and spine conditions were also conducted in May 2015. The Board observes that treatment records have not been added since August 2018; therefore, a remand is also necessary to obtain these additional treatment records. Finally, because the Veteran contends his thumb and back conditions have also worsened since his last VA examinations, new examinations for these conditions are also warranted. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Ask the Veteran to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for treatment he has received from the private medical facilities (to include those referenced during his August 2021 virtual hearing). Make two requests for any authorized records, unless it is clear after the first request that a second request would be futile. 2. Obtain the Veteran's VA and TriCare treatment records for the period from August 2018 to the present, to include those from Wilford Hall Medical Center (Lackland AFB) and San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). 3. Associate the Goldmann chart used for the January 2011 VA eye examination, and any interpretation of results of that Goldmann chart, with the Veteran's claims file. 4. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected degenerative spinal disease and degenerative disc disease, and his right thumb fracture with degenerative changes. The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran's disability under the rating criteria. 5. Schedule the Veteran for a VA eye examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right eye condition. The examination must be completed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. K. Parakkal Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board C. B. Kucera 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.