The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left lower extremity tarsal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of stroke is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder and sarcoidosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity disability, to include as secondary to service-connected LLE tarsal tunnel syndrome, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.,The Veteran's claim for sinusitis is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder.,The Veteran's claim for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service and whether it was aggravated by service.,The Veteran's claim for left shoulder rotator cuff (RTC) tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.

The deciding factor: A more contemporaneous VA examination is required to provide a current picture of the Veteran’s LLE tarsal tunnel syndrome.,Given her current diagnosis and evidence that it may be related to service, a VA examination to address the question of etiology is warranted.,The Board cannot render a decision based on the evidence of record as there are insufficient medical records to determine the onset or nature of the Veteran’s heart disorder during service.,VA treatment records show that the Veteran has chronic sinusitis and was treated for it during service, but no current diagnosis of sinusitis is present. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from this condition.,The Veteran's STRs show a history of chest pains and high cholesterol, which may be related to her heart disorder. Therefore, a VA examination is required to determine the etiology of her heart disorder.

Claimed conditions

left lower extremity tarsal tunnel syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), heart disorder, residuals of stroke, migraine headaches, right lower extremity disability, sinusitis, sarcoidosis, left hand carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), left shoulder rotator cuff (RTC) tendonitis

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 8, 2019

Citation

19184824