Citation Nr: 21074117 Decision Date: 12/14/21 Archive Date: 12/14/21 DOCKET NO. 18-45 998A DATE: December 14, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left foot disability to include plantar fasciitis and pes planus is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from February 2003 to September 2004. In August 2021, the Veteran appeared before the undersigned during a virtual hearing. A transcript of the hearing is associated with the claims file. Entitlement to service connection for a left foot disability to include plantar fasciitis and pes planus is remanded. The Veteran contends that he is entitled to service connection for a left foot disability due to left foot symptoms that began in service. He reported onset of symptoms of left foot pain during his service in Kuwait in 2004 and that he sought treatment in service. The Veteran has submitted records indicating reports of left heel pain and a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis in 2004. During the Veteran's Board hearing, he reported that after service he initially treated for the condition on his own but that it worsened over time. See Hearing Transcript, pp. 4-5. The Veteran was afforded a VA examination regarding his left foot in May 2018. A current diagnosis of pes planus was provided. The examiner opined that the Veteran's plantar fasciitis had resolved and opined that the current pes planus was less likely than not caused by or related to any incident of active duty. The examiner supported this rationale by noting that the condition had been diagnosed and treated after service and referenced a January 2018 podiatry note. The Board, however, does not find this opinion to be adequate as the rationale for an examiner's opinion must not be based solely on the absence of treatment records during and after service. See Dalton v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 23 (2007) (an examination must consider lay evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology since service. The examiner's opinion does not address the Veteran's reports of ongoing symptomatology since his active service or his recurrent use of orthotics as described by the January 2018 podiatry note. Therefore, the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion which addresses all favorable evidence of record. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination as to the etiology of any current left foot disability. All necessary tests should be conducted. The claims file must be sent to the examiner for review. The examiner should identify any current disability of the left foot. For any current left foot disability diagnosed, the examiner should indicate whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that such disability is caused by, or was incurred in, the Veteran's active service. The examiner is asked to discuss the Veteran's evidence of treatment for foot pain in service (see Treatment records received April 30, 2018) and his complaints of worsening left foot symptoms over time. See Hearing Transcript, pp. 4-5). A thorough rationale, to include reference to relevant evidence of record as appropriate, should be provided for all opinions expressed. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms and history, and such reports must be acknowledged and considered in formulating any provided opinions. If the examiner is unable to provide a requested opinion, a supporting rationale must be given concerning why the opinion cannot be provided. K. Parakkal Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board P.M. Johnson, 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.