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

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the highest permissible level (10%). The Board has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, rating, and compensation for his lumbar spine disability, pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on December 13, 2017 are denied because the treatment was not rendered in an emergency situation where delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and bilateral foot disabilities as they are not related to her in-service injuries or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral pes planus disability (claimed as flat foot) is denied because there is no evidence showing an in-service event, disease or injury that would indicate a link between the Veteran’s medical condition and his active service. The VA examiner found that the current bilateral pes planus disability is less likely than not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, left foot disability, right foot disability, low back disability, and tinnitus as the evidence did not show a nexus to service or any applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot disability, a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran's service records indicate possible exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for further development and examination, including those related to respiratory, prostate, kidney, psychiatric, TBI, foot, skin, headache, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The Veteran is also asked to provide more information regarding his claimed stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his bilateral foot disability. The Board finds that a VA examination and medical opinion are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current foot disabilities, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to inadequate examination opinions and lack of medical records.

The Veteran's left foot condition, including corns and calluses, is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for pes planus with hallux valgus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet and a psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide new and material evidence or undergo further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has not been evaluated since October 2011, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for back, left knee, and right knee braces in 2018 were denied as the braces are not used for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The remaining issues are remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no evidence of aggravation beyond its natural progression.,Service connection for bilateral hallux valgus, to include as secondary to bilateral pes planus, is also denied due to lack of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right foot pes planus, migraines to include as due to a broken nose or as secondary to a service-connected sinus condition, and sinusitis. The issues are being addressed because inadequate medical opinions were provided in the previous decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations, compliance with the representative's request for a copy of his file, and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of the previously denied claims of service connection for a left foot disability was granted. The claims for right hand, left hand, and sleep issues were not supported by evidence. The hearing loss and tinnitus evaluations remain at their current levels.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee conditions as secondary to her service-connected pes planus.,Obesity is not a condition that can be service connected by VA.