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

The Veteran's claim for left ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for right ankle, back, left foot, and right foot disabilities are all denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including knee disability, shin splints, flat feet, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for right and left plantar fasciitis with bone spurs, but the case is remanded to determine if service connection should be established for pancreatitis with residuals from a Whipple procedure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, right foot disability, tinnitus, PTSD, hypertension, left knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and plantar fasciitis. The appeals are currently pending due to the need for additional medical records review.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, plantar fasciitis with bone spurs, and PTSD.,There are no medical records or STRs indicating any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for SMC prior to June 13, 2018. Since then, she does not qualify for a higher rate of SMC based on her current disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to outstanding development and additional evidence being needed.

The Board denied service connection for a plantar wart disability and a right knee disability, finding no current evidence of these conditions during the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a chronic right ankle sprain and secondary service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis are both granted. The decision also confirms the Veteran's service-connected status for his right ankle condition.

The Board denied service connection for a disability on the top of the right foot and left foot, as well as a right ear hearing loss disability. The rating in excess of 30 percent for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prior to March 13, 2013 was also denied.,The Board found no evidence of current disabilities on the top of either foot or right ear hearing loss disability during the pendency of the claim. The appellant's service treatment records did not show any chronic conditions affecting these areas.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 14, 2010 did not preclude him from all forms of gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 1, 2015, for a 50 percent rating for bilateral foot disability is denied as it is not factually ascertainable that the condition warranted such a rating within one year prior to April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's daughter is granted reimbursement for the last illness and burial expenses of her father, who died in July 2013. The amount awarded is $4,111.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the conditions and rating he was seeking.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral pes planus due to inextricably intertwined issues, missing medical records, and insufficient evidence of a nexus between service and his conditions. The Veteran needs an examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot and knee disorders. The issues have been remanded to allow for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial evaluations for various foot, knee, shoulder, and skin conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including VA treatment records and employment information.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral pes planus and found that it was aggravated during active duty, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral arthritis of the thumbs, coronary artery disease, and bilateral plantar fasciitis and heel spurs) preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.