Citation Nr: 21074930
Decision Date: 12/16/21	Archive Date: 12/16/21

DOCKET NO. 18-49 734
DATE: December 16, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for right epididymitis is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from May 1975 to April 1976.

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal of an October 2017 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office/Agency of Original Jurisdiction (RO/AOJ).

The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge during a hearing in December 2021.

The Veteran is seeking a compensable rating for his right testicle epididymitis.  In his December 2017 Notice of Disagreement, the Veteran reported his condition is getting worse, he is unable to work and is on "long-term drug therapy for the pain, hydrocodone."  In his October 2018 VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals, the Veteran stated that he has swelling of the testicle.  During his December 2012 Board hearing, he testified that he is unable to lift over 15 pounds, stand, sit or walk and has testicle pain and swelling.  He also reported taking medication.  

Review of the record shows the Veteran had been scheduled to undergo an examination for this disability in October 2018; however, he reports he did not receive notice of the examination and his request to reschedule the examination has not been accomplished.  Given the Veteran's description of his symptoms and his assertion that his disability has worsened since the most recent August 2018 VA examination, remand for an updated examination is necessary.  

On remand, additional/updated treatment records should be obtained.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Please secure for the record copies of complete updated clinical records (any not already of record) of all VA and non-VA treatment the Veteran has received for his genitourinary symptoms.    

2. After the action in paragraph 1 is completed, schedule the Veteran for a VA male reproductive examination and a medical opinion to determine the current severity of his right epididymitis.  All indicated tests should be performed.  After interview and examination of the Veteran and review of his claims file, the clinician is requested to respond to the following:

a) The clinician should report all symptomatology and functional impact associated with the right epididymitis and address the Veteran's reports that the disability impacts his ability to lift (only 15 pounds) and limits sitting, standing and walking due to pain and swelling.

b) The clinician should opine whether the Veteran's treatment for his epididymitis includes the medication hydrocodone, and, if so, whether that medication constitutes long-term drug therapy, or intermittent or continuous intensive management.  

c) The clinician should opine as to whether the Veteran's epididymitis has resulted in the loss of use of a creative organ.

A complete rationale should be provided for all opinions and conclusions expressed.  In the event the examiner cannot provide an opinion without resorting to speculation, it is essential that the examiner provide a rationale for this conclusion (e.g., lack of sufficient information/evidence, the limits of medical knowledge, etc.).

 

 

M. C. GRAHAM

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	K Hughes

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.