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

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, a rating in excess of 10 percent for a bilateral foot disability, and service connection for brain disease have been dismissed. The claim for service connection for sleep disorder has been reopened, as well as the claims for chest tightness with muscle spasms and short term memory loss.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 30 percent since February 2, 2016. Effective May 21, 2001 to February 1, 2016, the rating was increased from 20% to 30%. The effective dates for these increases are being accelerated.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus. The remaining issues on appeal have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other conditions such as low back disability, hip, ankle, knee, foot disabilities, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric condition. The remand requires obtaining VA treatment records, conducting examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions, and providing opinions on their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding exposure to environmental contaminants during service. The Veteran's kidney condition is related to his exposure at Atsugi, Japan. Other conditions are being reviewed.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including shoulder, cervical spine/neck, bilateral ankle, cardiovascular, bilateral plantar fasciitis with fallen arches, vertigo, sleep apnea, right inguinal hernia, and skin disability of the feet. The claims are being remanded to determine the etiology of the Veteran's headaches.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including shoulder, cervical spine/neck, bilateral ankle, cardiovascular, bilateral plantar fasciitis with fallen arches, vertigo, sleep apnea, right inguinal hernia, and skin disability of the feet. The claims are being remanded to determine the etiology of the Veteran's headaches.

The Veteran's back disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, pes planus, and glaucoma were all denied service connection as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to his military service.,While the Veteran had complaints of pain in each of these areas during service, there was no medical evidence linking any current diagnoses to his active duty. The VA examiners found no nexus between the Veteran's current disabilities and his service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability. The right foot disability remains under review and remanded.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral foot disabilities due to missing service treatment records regarding an in-service fall from a telephone pole.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus may have been aggravated during service, and needs further clarification from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a bilateral foot disability has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied service connection for a left foot disability, glaucoma, and a left knee disability. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal disability, headaches (claimed as head trauma), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left great toe, and left foot disabilities. The Veteran also had his claim for tinnitus and bilateral tinea pedis denied. Service connection was not granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).,There is no clear indication of a current disability in any of the conditions listed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and authorize VA to obtain them, or seek authorization from SSA for any relevant information.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's pes planus worsened during service. The Veteran is asked to provide lay statements and a new examination will be scheduled for an opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his household.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in actual or functional loss of use of either foot.

The petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection of bilateral pes planus was denied. The issue of secondary service connection for sleep apnea due to PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, but the right foot, hip, and knee disabilities are remanded for further development.

An initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for left foot plantar fasciitis is granted.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right foot Morton's neuroma with plantar fasciitis is denied.