BVA9500752 
DOCKET NO.  93-01 857     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Huntington,
West Virginia

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

M. G. Mazzucchelli, Associate Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The veteran served on active duty from August 1967 to August
1970.  This appeal arises from a June 1992 rating decision of the
Huntington, West Virginia, regional office (RO).  That rating
decision, in part, denied the veteran's claim for service
connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

REMAND

The veteran contends that he has a chronic bilateral foot
disorder as the result of his Vietnam service.  The service
medical records show that he complained of burning in his feet in
May 1970.  The impression was mild pes planus.  In May 1982, the
veteran reported itching and burning feet.  The veteran submitted
records dated in 1991 reflecting treatment by a Dr. Davis.  A VA
examination was conducted in May 1992.  Unfortunately, an
examination for increase in disability compensation was conducted
rather than one which would aid the Board in determining whether
service connection was appropriate.  Thus, the examiner did not
address the question of the etiology of the current foot pain,
Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis, particularly whether
they were related to the veteran's complaints of burning feet in
service.  The Board is of the opinion that the veteran should be
scheduled for another examination, and the examiner must comment
on the relationship if any between the veteran's current foot
pathology and the inservice findings.  Additionally, any private
or VA medical records pertaining to treatments for the veteran's
foot condition which are not in the claims folder should be
obtained.

VA has a duty to assist the veteran in the development of his
claim.  38 U.S.C.A. § 5107(a) (West 1991).  In view of the
foregoing, the case is REMANDED to the RO for the following:

1.  The RO should request from the veteran
the names and addresses of all the health
care providers who have treated him for any
foot disorders since service.  He should
provide any necessary releases.  The RO
should then ask the health care providers
listed by the veteran to provide complete
copies of their notes and records on the
veteran which are not in the claims folder.
All relevant VA outpatient records should
also be obtained.  Particular attention
should be directed to attempting to secure
copies of the complete records of Dr. Davis
referred to by the veteran in an April 1992
written statement.  If any records are not
available, that fact should be noted in the
claims folder.

2.  Following the above, the veteran should
be examined by a VA orthopedist to determine
the current nature and extent of any
bilateral foot pathology.  The examination
report should contain detailed accounts of
all pathology found to be present.  The
entire claims folder and a copy of this
REMAND must be made available to and
reviewed by the examiner prior to the
examination.  All necessary tests, including
X-ray studies, should be conducted and
reviewed by the physician.  The examiner
should express an opinion as to the
significance of the foot symptomatology
during service and the relationship between
any such inservice symptomatology and any
pathology that is currently present.  The
report of examination should include a
complete rationale for the conclusions
reached.

3.  The RO should review the examination
report and determine if it is adequate for
rating purposes and in compliance with this
Remand.  If not, the report should be
returned for corrective action.

Following completion of these actions, the RO should review the
evidence and determine whether the veteran's claim may now be
granted.  If not, the veteran and his representative should be
provided with an appropriate supplemental statement of the case.
Thereafter, the case should be returned to the Board for further
appellate consideration.  No action is required by the veteran
until he receives further notice.

          JOAQUIN AGUAYO-PERELES
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a
determination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an
individual member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This remand is in the nature of a
preliminary order and does not constitute a decision of the Board
on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R. § 20.1100(b) (1993).