Citation Nr: 20005220 Decision Date: 01/23/20 Archive Date: 01/22/20 DOCKET NO. 16-49 214 DATE: January 23, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded. Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. Service connection for residuals of a hernia, to include a surgical scar, is remanded. Service connection for a back disorder is remanded. Service connection for congestive heart failure status post stent placement is remanded. Service connection for hypertension is remanded. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded. Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is remanded. Service connection for migraine headaches is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The appellant served on active duty for training (ADT) from January 31, 1982, to May 6, 1982, while in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania from October 1981 to August 1982. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) from an April 2014 rating decision. 1. Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded. 2. Service connection for PTSD is remanded. 3. Service connection for residuals of a hernia, to include a surgical scar, is remanded. 4. Service connection for a back disorder is remanded. 5. Service connection for congestive heart failure status post stent placement is remanded. 6. Service connection for hypertension is remanded. 7. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded. 8. Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is remanded. 9. Service connection for migraine headaches is remanded. Additional development is required in this case to fulfill VA’s duty to assist the appellant. The appellant contends he has a current bilateral foot disorder and PTSD that began during a 12-mile road march in March 1986 at Fort Benning, Georgia. He describes developing blisters and swelling of his feet during the march, complaining about his foot pain, and being called racial epithets by his sergeant. Service treatment records provided by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in September 2013 include Army National Guard enlistment medical history and examination reports from September 1981, at which time the appellant disclosed a history of hernia repair in 1966 at a private hospital. Another service treatment record dated July 12, but not listing the year, reflects the appellant’s report that he collapsed in the field while training and felt dizzy. The impression was heat exhaustion—no cramps, no nausea. In October 2013, the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) requested any additional treatment records from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Later that month, the National Guard advised the AOJ that additional records could not be located but provided two additional contacts for requesting such records. It appears the AOJ did not take further action to obtain any additional records. The AOJ should request any additional service treatment or personnel records from appropriate sources. In support of his claim, the appellant submitted a copy of a military ID issued in March 1986 by the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserve Components of the Army. He also submitted two service treatment records dated six days later. A screening note of acute medical care reflects the appellant’s complaint of pain and swelling with possible blisters on both feet for the past three days, explaining he did a 12-mile road march in brand new boots. The assessment was rule out stress fracture of the bilateral feet and the plan included obtaining x-ray studies of the feet. On the same day, the appellant presented to the family practice clinic at Fort Benning Georgia. The narrative portion of the record appears to be a statement written by the appellant recounting verbal abuse by a drill sergeant, which “left pscyological [sic] scars regarding authority which resulted in me getting medical profile within 30 days of incident.” Unfortunately, the March 1986 records do not identify the appellant’s military status at that time. In addition, the appellant’s NGB Form 22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service) shows he served in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania from October 1981 to August 1982 and his terminal date of reserve/military service obligation was October 1988. The AOJ should attempt to verify any additional periods of ADT or inactive duty training (IADT) because such service may have a bearing on the appellant’s claims. Finally, in his July 2013 claim for VA compensation benefits, the appellant identified some treatment providers. In September 2014, he submitted signed Authorization for Release of Information forms to allow VA to obtain those records on his behalf. It appears the AOJ did not request those records. In January 2015 correspondence, the AOJ asked the appellant to complete and return those forms again. The appellant did not complete and return those forms. The AOJ should give the appellant another opportunity to submit those forms and then should obtain private treatment records on his behalf. A review of treatment records from the Washington and Indianapolis VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) indicates that although the appellant has supplied a permanent mailing address, he has been homeless during much of his appeal. In addition, although VA treatment records from both facilities document the appellant is ineligible for VA healthcare services based on his military service limited to ADT, he has received some evaluation and treatment from the Washington VAMC on a humanitarian basis. Similarly, in the July 2013 application for VA benefits, he reported receiving treatment at the VA hospital in Philadelphia. The AOJ should obtain any ongoing treatment records from the Washington VAMC dating since May 2015 and any records from the Philadelphia VA Hospital. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Attempt to obtain any additional service treatment records and service personnel records from the sources identified in the October 2013 correspondence from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard or from other appropriate sources. 2. Verify whether the appellant had any additional periods of active duty training (ADT) and any inactive duty training (IADT) in addition to the period of ADT documented from January 31, 1982 to May 6, 1982. Also, verify his military status for March 1986 when he sought treatment for bilateral foot pain and possibly for psychological stress at Fort Benning, Georgia. 3. Provide the appellant Authorization for Release of Information forms for the following private treatment providers: Dr. N. Helm at Einstein Medical Center; Temple Hospital (or Temple University Hospital) Internal Medicine; K. Stein, D.P.M.; and any other providers the appellant identifies pertinent to his claims. 4. Obtain any ongoing treatment records dating since May 2015 from the Washington VAMC and any treatment records from the Philadelphia VA Hospital. 5. After completing any additional development warranted, to include consideration as to whether any VA examination is required, review all evidence added to the claims file since the September 2016 statement of the case (SOC). If any benefit sought on appeal is not granted in full, issue the appellant and his representative, if any, a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) and provide the appellant an opportunity to respond. JAMES L. MARCH Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Laura Kirscher Strauss 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.