Citation Nr: 21009334 Decision Date: 02/22/21 Archive Date: 02/22/21 DOCKET NO. 12-33 184 DATE: February 22, 2021 REMANDED An initial rating higher than 20 percent for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and optic atrophy prior to April 1, 2009. A rating higher than 30 percent for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and optic atrophy from April 1, 2009, to November 3, 2017. A rating higher than 40 percent for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and optic atrophy from November 3, 2017.   REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from February 1966 to November 1969. This matter comes before the Board on appeal from an October 2008 rating decision. In April 2017, the Veteran testified at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. Most recently, in a December 2018 decision, the Board adjudicated a heart condition rating appeal. At that time, the Board also remanded the retinopathy staged rating issue for further consideration. While the case was in remand status, in an August 2020 rating decision, the RO increased the rating for the eye condition to 40 percent, effective November 3, 2017. In doing so, the RO recharacterized the service-connected disability to include proliferative diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, optic atrophy and visual field defect constriction. The multi-staged rating issue remains on appeal. An initial rating for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and optic atrophy higher than 20 percent prior to April 1, 2009; higher than 30 percent from April 1, 2009, to November 3, 2017; and higher than 40 percent from November 3, 2017. An October 2017 and a June 2019 VA treatment note indicated visual field testing was conducted. The actual imaging from this testing has not associated with the record. As the Veteran has a visual field defect, the Board finds these records should be associated with the claims file on remand. In light of the remand, updated VA treatment records should be obtained (along with any more recent visual field testing). In light of the remand and possibility of increasing severity, another VA examination should be scheduled. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records since August 2020. 2. Obtain all Goldmann visual field charts and/or findings for the visual field testing listed in October 2017 and June 2019 VA treatment records, as well as any visual field testing results conducted since that time. 3. Thereafter, schedule the Veteran for a VA eye examination to determine the severity of service-connected diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and optic atrophy. RYAN T. KESSEL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Kass, 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.