Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was denied. The appeal for an earlier effective date than March 18, 2015, for the grant of service connection for bilateral pes planus is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including shoulder, elbow, neck, hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, arm, leg, hand, sinusitis, heart, hypertension, stomach, cancer, foot, diabetes mellitus, brain injury, and seizure disability. The decision was based on the lack of competent evidence supporting these claims.,The Board also remanded service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory disability, headache, earlier effective date for right ankle disability, and service connection for a disability of the hips.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no increase in severity of the preexisting condition during active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis and low back disability are granted, with the temporary total evaluation for convalescence extended to December 29, 2012. The rating for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis is maintained at 30 percent, while the rating for low back disability remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and all service connection claims for various hand and foot disabilities have been dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot and low back disabilities are not related to his active military service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his time in service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims, including for status post fractured coccyx and various cold injury residuals. The Veteran's ulcerative colitis claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an ulcer disability. The issues of service connection for the remaining conditions are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for flat feet and back disorder. The case is being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hallux valgus with plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the nature and origin of his foot conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not present during service or for years thereafter and was not caused by any incident of service.,The Veteran’s right lower extremity neuropathy had its onset during the Veteran’s active military service, and his left lower extremity neuropathy also had its onset during the Veteran’s active military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and sinusitis, as well as his request for an effective date of November 24, 2015, for the grant of service connection for a lumbosacral strain. The decision also denied his claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression, anxiety, and sleeping problems due to insufficient medical evidence. The claims are being returned for further development including VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for aplastic anemia. The claim for sleep apnea was granted as proximately due to his service-connected hypertension. Service connection was denied for multiple joint arthritis, jaw disorder (TMJ), and bilateral foot disability. The right knee disability claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot disability and right knee disability. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, particularly regarding his acquired psychiatric condition. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with this issue.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection and increased rating for bilateral pes planus, as well as his application to reopen claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability due to new evidence received after the March 2018 Statement Of the Case.