BVA9500421 
DOCKET NO.  93-08 999     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Houston, Texas

THE ISSUES

1.  Entitlement to an increased evaluation for carcinoma of the
prostate, currently evaluated as 20  percent disabling.

2.  Entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a postoperative
ventral hernia.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

Joseph M. Horrigan, Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The veteran retired in October 1969 after more than 24 years of
active service.

This matter came before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on
appeal from an October 1991 rating action of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in Houston, Texas.

In his contentions the veteran raised additional issues of
service connection for a right knee disorder and a psychiatric
disorder, to include post-traumatic stress disorder; he also
claimed increased evaluations for a left knee disorder and
postoperative sinusitis with a deviated nasal septum.  In
addition, he raised the issue of entitlement to a total rating
for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.
These issues are referred to the RO for all appropriate action.
Only the issues listed on the previous page are before the Board
at this time.

REMAND

The veteran last received a VA examination of his prostate
disorder and ventral hernia in March 1992.  It is apparent from
the record that his carcinoma of the prostate has significantly
worsened since that evaluation.  Moreover, while a recurrent
ventral hernia was noted during the March 1992 evaluation, no
detailed description of this disability was reported at that
time.  It is also apparent from the record that considerable
relevant clinical evidence is available but is not of record.

In view of the foregoing, and given the duty to assist the
veteran in the development of his claim under the provisions of
38 U.S.C.A. 5107(a) (West 1991), this case is REMANDED to the RO
for the following action:

1.  The RO should obtain copies of all
clinical records documenting the veterans
outpatient treatment at the Brooke Army
Medical Center during 1989 and 1990 as well
as all outpatient treatment records and
hospital summaries from this facility
subsequent to July 1991.  All records
obtained should be associated with the
claims folder.

2.  The RO should also obtain all clinical
records documenting the veterans treatment
at the VA Outpatient Clinic in San Antonio,
Texas.  All records obtained should be
associated with the claims folder.

3.  The veteran should also be given a VA
genitourinary examination determine the
current severity of his prostate carcinoma.
All appropriate special studies should be
performed and all clinical findings,
including evidence of local recurrence or
metastatic disease reported in detail.  The
claims folder must be made available to the
examining physicians prior to their
evaluation so that the pertinent clinical
records may be studied in detail.

4.  The veteran should also be given a VA
examination by general surgery to determine
the current degree of severity of his
postoperative ventral hernia.  Any
appropriate special studies should be
performed and all pertinent clinical
findings, including a precise description
of the hernia and the abdominal
musculature, should be reported in detail.
The claims folder must be made available to
the examining physician prior to the
evaluation so that the pertinent clinical
records may be studied in detail.

If the benefits sought on appeal are not granted, the veteran and
his representative should be provided with a supplemental
statement of the case and afforded a reasonable opportunity to
respond.

Thereafter, the case should be returned to the Board for its
further consideration, if otherwise in order.  No action is
required of the veteran until he is so informed by the RO.  The
purpose of this examination is to obtain additional, clarifying
clinical evidence.  By this REMAND, the Board intimates no
opinion as to the outcome warranted in this case.

          H. N. SCHWARTZ
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a
determination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an
individual member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This action has been taken in
accordance with the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1994,
Pub. L. No. 103-446, § 303, 108 Stat. 4645, ___ (1994), and is in
the nature of a preliminary order and does not constitute a
decision of the Board on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R.
§ 20.1100(b) (1993).