Citation Nr: 20004097 Decision Date: 01/16/20 Archive Date: 01/16/20 DOCKET NO. 19-11 654 DATE: January 16, 2020 REMANDED The claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral pes planus is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for right shoulder arthritis is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for left shoulder arthritis is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right ankle arthritis is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for left ankle arthritis is remanded. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded. The claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include an adjustment disorder, is remanded. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for vertigo, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for anemia, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for acne, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. The claim for service connection for sinusitis, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disability (claimed as shortness of breath), to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a bilateral elbow disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a bilateral wrist disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a low back disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded. The claim for service connection for a mass on the kidney, to include as due to herbicide agent exposure, is remanded. The claim to reopen service connection for peeling of the skin is remanded. The claim to reopen service connection for lip swelling is remanded. The claim to reopen service connection for a left knee disability is remanded. The claim for helpless child benefits based on permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from June 1978 to June 1981 and from October 1981 to June 1995. This case comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from December 2016 and March 2017 rating decisions issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). The Board regrets delay in this case, but finds that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran a hearing (either formal or informal) before the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) as requested by the Veteran in an October 2019 brief   from his representative. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for a RO hearing at the AOJ. M. H. HAWLEY Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Riley, 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.