Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's disability rating for pes planus was reduced from 50% to 10%, effective November 1, 2016. The Board has restored the 50% rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for flat feet, bilateral hammertoes, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not supported by medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability, lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran did not have any diagnosed conditions related to these disabilities during his periods of active duty.,Service connection was denied as the evidence does not show that any current diagnoses are related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective September 26, 2003.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent, effective September 26, 2003.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent, effective September 26, 2003.,The Veteran's right knee disability is not entitled to a higher initial rating than 10 percent.,The Veteran's left knee disability is not entitled to a higher initial rating than 10 percent.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs is rated at 50 percent, effective September 26, 2003.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral plantar fasciitis due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus, as it is related to acoustic trauma in service.,Service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,The claim for reopening of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, hemorrhoids, and PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, insomnia, hypertension, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and headaches are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, specifically flat feet and fallen arches. The VA will obtain missing records and schedule a VA examination for an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted. The claim for service connection for neck disability is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for TBI and right knee disorder, but granted the reopening of claims for these conditions. Service connection was not established for DM, hypertension, chloracne, migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy, or plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability, finding that it is not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected low back disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. A 20 percent rating, but no higher, effective November 4, 2010, has been granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The increased ratings for left knee disability and bilateral foot disability were denied. An increased rating in excess of 60 percent for a back disability was also denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features (depression), is granted as secondary to his service-connected shoulder disability. The Veteran's substance use disorder is also granted as secondary to depression. Service connection for a bilateral foot disability and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's right foot planter fasciitis, degenerative joint disease of the right foot, obstructive sleep apnea, liver disability (fatty liver disease), and psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder) have all been granted service connection. The Veteran also has a left foot disability that is service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to physical and mental impairments, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims of service connection for other disabilities remain remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered further development for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a foot disability and medial epicondylitis, right elbow. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete information in previous examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected alcohol abuse is granted, as it is aggravated by his service connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment. The rating for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment is increased to 70 percent from August 12, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus as the Veteran's preexisting condition did not increase in severity during his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and allergic dermatitis. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disability, bilateral foot disability (pes planus), and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.