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

The Veteran's right foot disabilities of plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia are granted service connection. The Veteran's increased disability rating for the nasoseptal deformity due to residuals of a shell fragment wound is denied as it has already been assigned the maximum 10 percent schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6502. Other issues on appeal, including those related to facial scarring and PTSD, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot disorder, bilateral toe disorder, and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports and new evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability was granted a rating of 30 percent from April 22, 2015 to November 7, 2017; and of 50 percent from November 8, 2017. The left shoulder disability was denied an increased rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was permanently worsened beyond its natural progression during service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis were granted a 30 percent rating prior to August 1, 2017. The effective date is not specified as the decision was made based on symptoms observed during an examination conducted in August 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was first diagnosed during his service and has continued since. The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus is a congenital condition, but also noted post-service treatment records showing ongoing foot complaints related to pes planus. Therefore, the Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, a sleep disorder including obstructive sleep apnea, and various other conditions have been granted. The decision also remands several rating decisions.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder has been granted. The Board has remanded the issue due to insufficient medical evidence.,The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for pes planus on a direct basis was denied as there is no new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and arthritis of the right foot (including calcaneal spur), and left foot injury are being remanded due to new evidence submitted since previous denials. The claims will be further evaluated based on the Veteran's service history and any potential exposure to Agent Orange or herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of various disabilities, including tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, hip and leg disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran is also denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for his tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions, and pes planus was dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The appeals for tingling and numbness in the right shoulder and a respiratory disorder were remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for right ankle disability, left ankle disability, bilateral pes planus, and varicose veins. The claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral knee, hip, and foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The examiner is instructed to determine if any current knee disability clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and whether it was aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased rating for low back disability, service connection for sinusitis, bilateral foot disability, headaches, and hemorrhoids due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing separation examination records. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining additional evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, flat feet, and skin disorder. The claim for a left leg disorder is being remanded.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, specifically pes planus and plantar fasciitis. The VA podiatrist is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to service or worsened by her service-connected anterior tibialis tendonitis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a dental disorder, lumbar strain, and bilateral pes planus were denied. The lumbar strain claim was not granted as the evidence did not show limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes of IVDS. The bilateral pes planus claim was also not granted due to lack of symptoms consistent with a 50% rating under DC 5276 or DC 5278.

Service connection granted for various disabilities including bilateral shoulder, neck, back, hip, leg, and foot osteoarthritis as well as peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus. Service connection is also remanded for anemia.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all pending claims.