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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for new evidence to reopen some of the claims. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is not service-connected, but has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right shoulder disabilities, left knee disabilities, bilateral pes planus, and hallux rigidus have been granted. The remaining issues of service connection for a left wrist disability, back disability, and respiratory condition are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all three issues (bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD) is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current left foot condition and his in-service diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's pes planus, with bilateral calcaneal spur and bilateral metatarsalgia, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are adequately compensated by the current 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for right foot disability and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded.,There are conflicting opinions regarding the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, requiring further clarification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain updated VA treatment records and new examinations. The issues include service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, cervical spine, inflammatory spondyloarthropathy (claimed as pain from skull to pelvis), bilateral hip, left knee, right knee, bilateral foot condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for right lateral epicondylitis, bilateral hearing loss, status post lipoma resection, upper thoracic spine scar, headaches (claimed as secondary to service-connected status post lipoma resection), sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, and a cervical strain are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's daughter, the Appellant, is not considered a proper claimant for accrued benefits as she does not meet the eligibility criteria for being his child. The appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, back condition, and left knee degenerative arthritis due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for right foot hallux valgus, finding that the pre-existing condition did not increase in severity during service.,Service connection was also denied for a right foot disability other than hallux valgus due to lack of evidence linking it to service.,HIV was found not to be related to service, with the Board considering the latency period and the Veteran's post-service sexual behavior.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for painful scars associated with bilateral plantar warts has been withdrawn. The appeals for ratings and evaluations for other conditions have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and right plantar fasciitis due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records, including VA treatment records from Little Rock, Arkansas, and LSU in Shreveport, Louisiana. An examination by a medical professional must be scheduled to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and right plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and residuals of a left foot fracture due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding podiatry records.,The Veteran is advised to provide valid contact information for his podiatrist so that relevant medical records can be requested.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that additional evidence was submitted and requires further review by the AOJ before a final decision can be made on the flat feet claim.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus. The remaining issues of increased ratings for left knee, right knee, and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with back disability are remanded.