Citation Nr: 18100727
Decision Date: 04/19/18	Archive Date: 04/19/18

DOCKET NO. 14-36 299
DATE:	April 19, 2018
ISSUES DECIDED:	0	ISSUES REMANDED:	3
 
REMANDED ISSUES
The issues of entitlement to service connection for left foot hallux valgus, entitlement to service connection for right foot hallux valgus, and entitlement to service connection for costochondritis are remanded for additional development.
The Veteran served on active duty from October 1972 to October 1994.
The Veteran has asserted that his bilateral hallux valgus is secondary to the service-connected status-post fractures of his bilateral legs.  Specifically, the Veteran has asserted that the pressure put on his feet by his fractured legs, as well as the boots prescribed to him as a result of the fractures, caused his bilateral hallux valgus.  See November 2012 notice of disagreement; October 2014 VA Form 9.  The March 2012 VA examiner diagnosed bilateral hallux valgus, but did not provide an opinion as to the etiology of the condition.
The Veteran has asserted that his costochondritis first developed in service and has continued to the present.  See October 2014 VA Form 9.  January 1985 service treatment records show a diagnosis of costochondritis.  The March 2012 VA examiner diagnosed costochondritis, but did not provide an opinion as to the etiology of the condition. 



The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran, and, with his assistance, identify any outstanding records of pertinent medical treatment from private or VA health care providers. All identified records should be associated with the claims file.
2. After the above development has been completed, obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriately qualified clinician regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s bilateral hallux valgus.  After reviewing the file, the reviewing clinician should answer the following questions:
(a.) Is it at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s bilateral hallux valgus had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service?  
(b.) Is it at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s bilateral hallux valgus was either caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition, including status-post bilateral leg fractures?  
In answering these questions, the reviewing clinician should specifically address the Veteran’s contention that molded boots prescribed as a result of his in-service bilateral leg fractures caused or aggravated his claimed bilateral hallux valgus. 
If, and only if, determined necessary by the examiner, the Veteran should be scheduled for another VA examination.  
3. After the development in number 1 above has been completed, obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s costochondritis is at least as likely as not related to the in-service diagnosis of costochondritis, or is otherwise directly related to his active duty service.  
If, and only if, determined necessary by the examiner, the Veteran should be scheduled for another VA examination.
4. Thereafter, readjudicate the issues on appeal.  If any benefit sought on appeal remains denied, the Veteran and his representative should be provided with a Supplemental Statement of the Case and be afforded a reasonable opportunity to respond.  The case should then be returned to the Board for further appellate review, if otherwise in order.
 
 
DONNIE R. HACHEY
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	E. Mine, Associate Counsel