Citation Nr: 21001055 Decision Date: 01/06/21 Archive Date: 01/06/21 DOCKET NO. 17-30 009 DATE: January 6, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded. Entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a neck condition is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The appellant is a Veteran who served on active duty from March 2000 to March 2003. This matter is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In January 2021, a Video Conference Board hearing was held before the undersigned. 1. Entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded. 2. Entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is remanded. The Veteran was last examined in July 2016. At the Board hearing he testified to a worsening of symptoms, and as such a new examination is warranted to determine the current severity of his conditions. 3. Entitlement to service connection for a neck condition is remanded. As a preliminary matter the Board notes the Veteran’s STRs are not available for review. The Board is mindful that, in a case such as this, VA has a heightened obligation to assist the Veteran in the development of his claims. O’Hare v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 365, 367 (1991); Pruitt v. Derwinski, 2 Vet. App. 83, 85 (1992). At the Board hearing, the Veteran reported injuring his neck at the same time he injured his lumbar spine. He reported injuring his neck as a result of walking off a cliff during a mission, and also due to carrying a 30 pound rucksack. Treatment records from Duffy Chiropractic indicate the Veteran has been diagnosed with segmental dysfunction cervicothoracic region and cervicalgia. The Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination, and one is needed to determine if he has a cervical spine disability related to his service. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain outstanding VA and private medical records and associate these records with the claims folder. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his bilateral plantar fasciitis and lumbosacral strain. The examiner is asked to provide all information for rating purposes. 3. Schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination regarding the claimed cervical spine disability. The examiner is asked to answer the following: Is it at least as likely as not that any diagnosed cervical spine disability is related to his service? The examiner is asked to specifically address the Veteran’s reports that he injured his cervical spine at the same time he injured his lumbar spine. The examiner is asked to provide a rationale for any opinions rendered. H.M. WALKER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board E. Skiouris, 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.