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

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation, specially adapted housing, and a special home adaptation grant as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for these benefits.

The Board denied service connection for tinea cruris, back disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), chronic rhinitis/sinusitis, and fibromyalgia. Service connection was granted for shortness of breath.

The Veteran's OSA was granted as it had its onset during active service and is related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.,The Veteran's lumbar spine discopathy, herniated disc, and radiculopathy were granted due to the continuity of symptoms since service.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus has been reopened, and the case is remanded for further development. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and a bilateral foot condition due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 30 percent from May 29, 2012 to August 14, 2015. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating as there were no findings of pronounced bilateral acquired flatfoot.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus. Service connection is remanded for osteoarthritis of the feet, hammer toes, and hearing loss.

The Veteran's OSA disability is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for residuals of left ankle sprain and bilateral plantar fasciitis are remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his anxiety disorder and physical disabilities such as knee pain and shoulder impingement syndrome, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for left foot disability and right foot disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus as it is associated with the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 50% for bilateral plantar fasciitis with left heel bone spur as of November 21, 2016. A TDIU rating was also established effective from that date.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50% effective February 21, 2018. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 50% rating from the date of award of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not related to his military service and do not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to January 2, 2013.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it manifested within one year of qualifying service. The Board found the evidence in favor of the Veteran, including a VA outpatient treatment note indicating intermittent tinnitus and the Veteran's MOS involving noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right hip disability, secondary to his service-connected right ankle sprain is denied as there is no evidence of current right hip disability.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease (DJD) is also denied as the disability does not warrant more than 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for left foot disability. The remaining issues have been remanded due to lack of medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosable low back or left hip disability, as well as an increase in PTSD prior to February 5, 2016. The VA will also obtain all relevant medical records and schedule examinations.