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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 50% disability rating effective March 27, 2018. Separate ratings of 10% were assigned for hallux valgus and malunion or nonunion of tarsal or metatarsal bones in both feet from March 27, 2018.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities due to a lack of recent examinations. The Veteran needs to undergo VA examinations for his sleep apnea, psychiatric symptoms, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, GERD, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence and have been denied. The issues of service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and substance abuse disorder), low back disability, and bilateral foot disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the appellant's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated during his active duty for training, and to obtain treatment records from Tulsa Foot and Ankle Clinic.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and ratings for various conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and additional evidence is needed to determine if he requires aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain with disc disease and traumatic arthritis, as well as claims for service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Veteran was also denied a temporary total evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection based on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of DDD of the lumbar spine and service connection for bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to outstanding development needs.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC higher than (m) plus (k) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under section 1114(o). The Veteran has more than one disability rated at 100 percent, but does not have two or more separate and distinct disabilities that would qualify him for SMC rates listed in subsections (l) through (n).

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left foot pes planus and left plantar keratosis with 3rd metatarsal resection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of August 7, 2014 for a 50 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis. The appeal regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of spinal cord surgery is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left and right leg conditions is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The examiner will determine if his current diagnoses are related to his in-service conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or adaptive equipment.,B.'s permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining 18 years of age is denied as her psychiatric symptoms did not manifest before she turned 18.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right knee arthritis, a foot disability (plantar fibromatosis), and lower spine arthritis. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination, as the current evidence does not establish service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and several joint conditions, require the need for aid and attendance due to his inability to dress himself and manage his daily needs.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the knees and legs, tendonitis of the knees, a bilateral foot disability, residuals of a cold weather injury (frostbite), skin disorder (eczema), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).