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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation beginning February 4, 2015. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and lumbar spine disability are each granted increased ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet, finding no credible evidence of a foot injury in service or any evidence of flat feet until many years after service. The Board concluded that there is no competent evidence linking the current disorder to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, pes planus, and allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for each condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left wrist disability was remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues not being addressed in the May 2013 rating decision, including right and left foot disabilities and lower extremity radiculopathies. The Veteran's representative argues that these issues should have been adjudicated as part of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenail of the left great toe, and right ankle strain as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was rated at 10 percent prior to August 25, 2016; 30 percent from that date; and 50 percent from May 3, 2019. The Board found the disability did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for tinnitus and hearing loss, but TDIU from April 1, 2011 to April 12, 2012 is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the left foot disability is caused or aggravated by the service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on issues related to his right ankle condition, initial rating for migraines prior to April 13, 2017, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for migraines after that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities due to his failure to report for VA examinations and his testimony that he was homeless during the time examination notices were sent.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a headache disability and service connection for numbness in the feet. The Veteran's claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle disorder, cervical spine disorder, and back disorder (claimed as a back disorder) due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for a left foot disability and remanded the claim for sinusitis. The Veteran's current claims are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's right foot disability, major depressive disorder (MDD), and mandible condition have been granted service connection. The mandible condition is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including right and left foot plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis, is rated at 20 percent since April 3, 2004.,Since November 3, 2016, the Veteran’s right foot plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis has been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Board has remanded the case to obtain an addendum opinion from the May 2019 VA examiner regarding the severity of the Veteran's foot condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.