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

The Veteran's initial evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea is granted at a 50% rating, effective from the date of service connection. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted an initial 30% rating as of September 25, 2014. No other conditions have been granted or denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further development. The issues include PTSD, depression, hypertension, sinusitis, bilateral pes planus, right hand chemical burn, left knee injury, right tennis elbow and arm pain, bilateral shoulder pain, contusion to the neck, and residuals of a left ankle injury.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to her combat service in Iraq. Service connection for the psychiatric disorder is granted. The low back disability, bilateral hip strain, right and left knee disabilities, and right foot disability are remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, bilateral foot disability, and damaged femoral nerve. The Veteran's right knee OA is remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,For his right knee condition, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus, the Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and foot disabilities are found to have caused his current low back, right knee, and left foot degenerative joint diseases. As such, the claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral foot arthritis, bilateral flatfoot, pes planus, osteoarthritis of the feet, and plantar fasciitis due to failure to report to scheduled examinations. The Veteran's claims are now pending again with the RO.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was initially rated at 20 percent prior to February 23, 2017, and then increased to 40 percent from that date. The Board denied a higher rating for the condition. For his TDIU claim, the Board also denied it as of February 23, 2017.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis was rated at 10 percent prior to October 24, 2014 and at 30 percent from that date. The appeal is denied for a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left and right foot disabilities are related to his service-connected back disability, but the VA examiner did not address whether these conditions were aggravated by the back disability. The case is being sent back for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including achilles tendonitis and fallen arches, is found to be related to his military service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and a foot disability manifested by pain and numbness due to outstanding VA treatment records, service personnel records, and SSA records being requested. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The Board found in favor of service connection for headaches, but denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral flat feet. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence regarding the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, frozen left thumb condition, bilateral hammertoes, and bilateral hallux valgus are all granted service connection. Service connection for pes planus is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on any of the issues.

The Board has determined that the appellant's preexisting left pes planus was aggravated by injuries during his active service, and that his plantar fasciitis, calcaneal heel spurs, and neuromas are causally related to such aggravation. As a result, the claim for these conditions is granted.

The Board found that the termination of additional compensation benefits for P. as a dependent based on her school attendance was proper, and the resulting overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the calculated amount of $3,914.43 was properly created.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis. The case is being remanded for this purpose.