Citation Nr: 21014633
Decision Date: 03/15/21	Archive Date: 03/15/21

DOCKET NO. 17-26 804
DATE: March 15, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from July 1972 to July 1976. In January 2021, he testified at a Board hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A transcript of the proceeding is in the record.

At his Board hearing the Veteran testified that symptoms of his disability have worsened since he was last evaluated at his October 2015 VA examination. Notably, the Veteran reported that he has experienced worsening symptoms of edema, as well as increased itching, skin irritation and pigmentation changes in his left leg. As the Veteran’s reported worsening symptoms could potentially entitle him to a higher disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7121, remand is needed to obtain a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his disability.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.  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, using the corresponding VA disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ).

 

M. E. Larkin

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.