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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and bilateral flat feet were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable initial rating for either condition prior to specified effective dates.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral leg and foot disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection remain pending. The Board finds that further development is needed to address the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of extension, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of flexion, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of adduction and rotation, a compensable rating for right knee osteoarthritis, a compensable rating for left foot plantar fasciitis, and a compensable rating for left great toe osteoarthritis.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also pending. The Board finds that further development is needed to address the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of extension, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of flexion, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis for limitation of adduction and rotation, a compensable rating for right knee osteoarthritis, a compensable rating for left foot plantar fasciitis, and a compensable rating for left great toe osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability, including loss of use of a foot, is rated at 40 percent. The Board also granted entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both feet.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus is denied as the evidence does not show symptoms that meet or approximate the criteria for a 50 percent rating, which would be required to grant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disability, right eye disability, erectile dysfunction, headache disability, PTSD, and Major Depressive Disorder have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic left foot problems during service and that the current condition is not related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted with a rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The service connection for chronic dry eye syndrome is remanded due to missing records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and determination regarding the etiology of her current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the medical opinion is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service, was aggravated by service, or resulted from active military service.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for pes planus (claimed as left flatfoot) was denied because the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a left knee disability was also denied because the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD, scoliosis, erectile dysfunction, right elbow disorder, bilateral foot disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, narcolepsy, and vision impairment. The issues of service connection for these conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not shown in service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.,Service connection for tinnitus is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss claim.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is remanded because his VA examiner did not address whether it was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities or if it had its clinical onset during service.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is also remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 30 percent, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis and hallux valgus of the right and left feet were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for a right foot disability and major depressive disorder (MDD) with anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision also notes that evidence of record supports the conclusion that the in-service injuries were not due to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU related to bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus as there was no competent evidence linking the condition to active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a visual acuity condition, and a skin condition. The claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.