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

The Veteran's claim for a back disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for patchy hypopigmentation is denied as the condition did not begin during service and is not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on the need for convalescence following surgery for service-connected right foot pes planus. The issue of service connection for right ankle ankylosis in plantar flexion due to severe tendo-achilles spasm is remanded and will be addressed again after the Veteran perfects his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back disability, shin splints, ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disability, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing flat feet condition was aggravated by his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral pes planus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are all being reviewed to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 30 percent for right and left foot disabilities. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right-hand disability, cervical neck disability, rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability, and an initial compensable rating for a right knee scar are remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and right knee disorder are related to service, but further examination is needed to establish a clear etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, tinnitus, COPD, and bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis) have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, the Board is directed to further develop evidence related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, effective dates, and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development or clarification of certain issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability other than pes planus, including heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The decision also noted that his claim of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied, and his claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scars of the left and right great toes have been rated as non-compensable, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for painful scars has also been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right hallux valgus post-operative bunionectomy and delayed union is not warranted based on current evidence.,The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis has a maximum assigned rating of 50 percent, which is the highest possible under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings as his symptoms do not warrant such an evaluation.,No effective date prior to September 17, 2017 was granted for the increased evaluation of 50 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The reduction of his back disability rating from 40% to 20% has also been reversed.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that there is no evidence of a compensable disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability was denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease, and insufficient continuity of symptoms since service. The examiner will be asked to provide an addendum opinion regarding this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to missing Social Security Administration records. The AOJ must obtain and associate these records with the claims file.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a rating of 30 percent effective March 14, 2017. The left knee disability and right knee disability were both denied higher ratings. The back disability was also denied higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ankle disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety), and a left foot disability due to the need for additional information from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe lumbar spondylosis and bilateral pes planus with Achilles and posterior tibial tendonitis, prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment beginning February 15, 2017. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, headaches, depression, tinnitus, hernia repair, bilateral hearing loss, and scars, significantly impair his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by his active duty service.