BVA9506205 
DOCKET NO.  93-12 052     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Cleveland, Ohio

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to service connection for residuals of a jaw injury.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: AMVETS

WITNESS AT HEARING ON APPEAL

Appellant

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

P. A. Dowdell, Associate Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The veteran served on active duty from May 1975 to May 1978.

This matter came before the Board of Veterans' Appeals
(hereinafter the Board) on appeal from a February 1992 rating
decision from the Cleveland, Ohio, Regional Office (RO), which
denied service connection for residuals of a jaw injury.

The Board notes that, in the informal hearing presentation dated
in June 1993, the veteran's representative appears to raise the
additional issue of entitlement to service connection for a
psychiatric disorder.  Inasmuch as this issue has not been
developed for appellate consideration at this time, and such
issue is not inextricably intertwined with the adjudication of
the issue on appeal, it is referred to the RO for appropriate
action.

REMAND

The veteran contends that trauma to the mouth sustained in
service resulted in current disability of the jaw.  In this
regard, he asserts that he has impaired function of the jaw
manifested by reduced bite strength, impaired mastication and
occasional locking of the jaw.  A review of the record reveals
the veteran's claims folder is a rebuilt claims folder.

The Board notes that the available service medical records
include a report of examination for separation from service
wherein it is reported as medical history that, in June 1976, the
veteran was hit on the mouth with a fan blade and sustained loss
and breakage of teeth.  Service connection has been established
for trauma to nine teeth, and for a scar of the left side of the
mouth, pursuant to such medical history.  Although reports of
dental examinations of the veteran are of record, including a
report of a VA dental examination in February 1992, including a
panoramic roentgenogram, specific findings relative to function
of the jaw, including any associated weakness or pain on function
of the jaw, have not been reported.  Further, a report of the
February 1992 panoramic roentgenogram findings, to include
findings relative to the jaw, is not of record.  As such, the
Board is of the opinion that additional development of the record
should be accomplished.

To ensure full compliance with due process requirements, the case
is REMANDED to the regional office (RO) for the following
development:

1.  The veteran should be afforded a VA
orthopedic examination to determine the
presence, nature and etiology of any
disability of the jaw.  All indicated
tests, including X-ray examination, should
be performed.  All findings relative to
function of the jaw should be reported in a
legible, precise and clear manner.  The
examining orthopedist should be
specifically requested to provide an
opinion as to whether any jaw disability
identified is the result of trauma to the
mouth sustained in service.  The claims
folder must be made available to the
examiner for review prior to the
examination.

2.  The RO should again consider the
veteran's claim in light of all the
evidence of record.  If the benefit sought
continues to be denied, the veteran and his
representative should be furnished a
supplemental statement of the case, which
includes a discussion of all additional
evidence, and be afforded a reasonable
opportunity to respond.

Thereafter, the case should be returned to the Board, if in
order.  The Board intimates no opinion as to the ultimate outcome
of this case.  The appellant need take no action unless otherwise
notified.

          U. R. POWELL
          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 remand 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).