Citation Nr: 22055352 Decision Date: 09/28/22 Archive Date: 09/28/22 DOCKET NO. 17-38 992 DATE: September 28, 2022 REMANDED The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 50 percent for bilateral pes planus is remanded. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative disc disease and anterolisthesis of the lumbar spine is remanded. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and chondromalacia of the left knee is remanded. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and chondromalacia of the right knee is remanded. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 20 percent for umbilical hernia with residual scar is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from October 1976 to October 1980, and November 1981 to June 1990. This appeal is from an April 2015 rating decision. In August 2022, the Veteran had a personal hearing with the undersigned VLJ. 1. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 50 percent for bilateral pes planus is remanded. 2. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative disc disease and anterolisthesis of the lumbar spine is remanded. 3. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and chondromalacia of the left knee is remanded. 4. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and chondromalacia of the right knee is remanded. 5. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 20 percent for umbilical hernia with residual scar is remanded. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his bilateral pes planus. He has asserted that hallux valgus, diagnosed at the August 2018 VA examination, is related to his pes planus. An opinion must be obtained, as well as a report on the current severity of his pes planus. He has reported that his back, knees, and hernia have increased in severity since the August 2018 VA examinations. On remand, he shall be provided with updated VA examinations. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Associate updated VA treatment records with the claims file. 2. After completion of directive 1, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination for a report on the current severity of bilateral pes planus. The examiner is asked to conduct a thorough examination and to provide a list of all diagnoses. For all diagnoses, including hallux valgus diagnosed in August 2018, the examiner is asked to provide an opinion as to whether it is approximately as likely as not that the diagnosis is related to the pes planus. The examiner is asked to elicit from the Veteran a detailed report on his symptoms generally, during flares, and after repetitive use. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on functional loss. All opinions are to be supported with explanation. 3. After completion of directive 1, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination for a report on the current severity of his back disability. The examiner is asked to conduct a thorough examination and to elicit from the Veteran a report on his function generally, during flares, and after repetitive use. The examiner is asked to conduct range of motion measurements, and then to provide opinions on the extent (if any) of additional loss of function, expressed in terms of range of motion lost, during flares and after repetitive use. The examiner is asked to conduct active and passive range of motion testing in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions, unless there is medical reason not to. All neurological abnormalities related to the service-connected back should be identified. All opinions should be supported with explanation. 4. After completion of directive 1, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination for a report on the current severity of the Veteran's right and left knees. The examiner is asked to elicit from the Veteran a detailed history of his symptoms generally, and his symptoms during flares and after repetitive use, and to provide examples of his functional loss. The examiner is asked to conduct range of motion measurements, and then to provide opinions on the extent (if any) of additional loss of function, expressed in terms of range of motion lost, during flares and after repetitive use. The examiner is asked to conduct active and passive range of motion testing in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions, unless there is medical reason not to. The examiner is asked to ascertain whether the Veteran has recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, symptoms of dislocated semilunar cartilage, and shin splints. The Veteran reports use of a knee sleeve and a cane, which the examiner is asked to address. All opinions should be supported with explanation. 5. After completion of directive 1, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination for a report on the current severity of umbilical hernia with residual scar. The examiner is asked to elicit from the Veteran a detailed report on his symptoms. The examiner is asked whether the Veteran's hernia is large and not by belt under ordinary conditions; or, massive, persistent, severe diastasis of recti muscles or extensive diffuse destruction or weakening of muscular and fascial support of abdominal wall so as to be inoperable. Ascertain whether the residual scar is symptomatic; if so, notify the scheduling authority to arrange for an appropriate examination. All opinions should be supported with explanation. Nathaniel J. Doan Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Gibson 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.