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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied claims for right foot disorder, left foot disorder, hypertension, and skin disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and right ankle arthritis, as well as his claim for bilateral plantar fascial fibromatosis due to a lack of VA examination records. The Veteran will be given another opportunity to attend examinations.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his left first toe disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyposmia was denied in 2005, and new evidence received after that time does not meet the threshold to reopen the claim.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip condition, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, lumbar strain, and bilateral plantar fascitis. The issues have been referred back to the VA for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its April 2018 remand directives and another remand is required. The AOJ needs to take appropriate action to develop the referred issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for pes planus and entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease of the feet, as these are inextricably intertwined with the issue currently on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of arthritis.,Service connection for a right hand condition, to include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is denied due to lack of evidence showing the disability began during service or was related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for a left hand condition, to include CTS, is denied as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran's belief that she has this condition is not competent to provide a medical opinion.,The Board concludes that chronic back pain did not begin during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a low back disability.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is granted as the evidence shows that the pre-existing condition clearly and unmistakably worsened during service.,The Board finds no evidence showing hypertension manifested to a compensable degree in service or within the applicable presumptive period, nor does it establish continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination as there were not sufficient compliance with previous instructions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating of his right foot plantar fasciitis, as well as any left foot condition. The Veteran is to be provided with a VA examination to determine the current severity of his right foot disability and the etiology of any diagnosed left foot disorder.

The Board has decided to remand several claims, including service connection for a foot disability and increased evaluations for knee disabilities. The Veteran's substance abuse disorder is also being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current foot disabilities are related to his service. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current foot conditions, including pes planus and foot pain, are linked to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 12, 2013 for service connection of his claimed disabilities due to lack of evidence showing he filed any VA benefits claim within a year of his military discharge.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the toes and knuckles, a right ankle condition, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and chest pain and tightness. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, TBI, and pes planus due to lack of current diagnoses. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for TMJ dysfunction and right foot plantar fasciitis due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes cavus. The issue is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion from the VA physician who conducted the June 2017 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder strain and bilateral shin splints was denied as new and material evidence was not received within one year of the respective decisions.,Service connection for a digestive system condition due to Gulf War Syndrome is reopened, but the claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service and if any other current foot disabilities originated during or are etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her bilateral knee conditions and other health issues, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.