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

The Board has denied service connection for a thoracic spine disability, but has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and plantar fasciitis disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations of her feet and digestive system, as well as consideration of her service-connected disabilities during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, as well as obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral flat feet with plantar fasciitis, right hip osteoarthritis, and impairment of the thigh, right. The issues are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, right eye disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is remanded for further examination regarding bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The GSW with left foot conditions are rated at 20 percent, effective February 21, 2017. The PTSD claim remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service in Vietnam, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, asthma (claimed as respiratory disorder/chest pain), scoliosis and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, right hip narrowing with associated pain, left knee medial compartment narrowing suggestive of degenerative change, and plantar fasciitis are all granted service connection. The Veteran's right eye disorder, irritated throat, and right cubital tunnel syndrome are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any current psychiatric disabilities and whether they are related to service. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's allergies began during active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability and bilateral foot disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus due to inadequacies in a previous VA opinion. The case must be reviewed and readjudicated with a new medical opinion considering the Veteran's lay statements, service treatment records, and other relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, while some issues regarding ratings and initial compensable ratings were granted. The appeal is mixed as some issues are granted and others are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 13, 2018 and 100 percent from that date. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating effective August 6, 2016 until September 12, 2018.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for right foot disability, left foot disability, and initial compensable rating for hypertension before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals except for the issue of service connection for diabetes, to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents or secondary to PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected sinusitis due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for a 50 percent rating, but no higher, for service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis from May 6, 2008 was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus from February 17, 2017 and thereafter is granted. The other claims remain pending.