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

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and a bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of such conditions during or related to active duty. Service connection was granted for PTSD with MDD and ADHD at the 70% level.,A compensable initial rating for service-connected status-post repair of ventral umbilical hernia, painful residual scar, and residual scar were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Pes Planus, and Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Knee, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Pes Planus, and Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Knee, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is denied as not related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.,Service connection for the left foot condition, claimed as plantar fascitis and bone spurs, is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.,Sinusitis is granted based on positive medical opinion linking current symptoms to service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety) is not service-connected as there is no diagnosed condition or treatment in service records.

The Veteran's service records do not support the presence of a TBI in service, and his current disabilities are not linked to any incident during service.,There is no evidence of a head injury or TBI in service. The Veteran’s STRs do not mention a fall or related head injury.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, heart disease, hypertension, fibroadenoma, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated private treatment records, VA examinations, and further analysis of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for an updated examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for obtaining outstanding private treatment records and VA treatment records, to include from Dr. T.S., and for readjudication of the issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral shin splints and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to insufficient examination findings and lack of opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for pes planus, finding that his preexisting condition was aggravated by active duty service. The decision is based on the evidence showing worsening foot pain and a decline in functionality during service.

The Veteran's knee and foot disabilities have been rated at the lowest possible level due to their mild nature, with no evidence of ankylosis or instability. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and tinnitus, as well as increased ratings for various knee disabilities. The Veteran's claim for asthma was remanded.

A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective November 18, 2008. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, and his symptoms were attributable to other conditions such as vestibular neuritis and sleep apnea. For bilateral plantar fasciitis, the Board noted moderate symptoms including pain on use but no objective findings supporting more severe ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, a cardiac disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that VA did not fulfill its duty to assist in this case and has remanded the claims for further development of the Veteran’s service connection claims.

The Veteran's left ankle osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent from March 4, 2016 and continuing thereafter. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent, and his left foot plantar fasciitis is rated at 20 percent. Service connection for herpes simplex virus is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs is denied. The effective date of the award remains January 10, 2012.