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

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as VA was required to recoup his separation benefits from his disability compensation, and this was done correctly according to law.

The Board has remanded the cases of pes planus and obstructive sleep apnea for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's pes planus is suspected to be related to his service-connected left foot disability, while his obstructive sleep apnea may have been aggravated by his prescribed medications.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and bilateral foot disorder (claimed as pes planus), due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence of such conditions during the appeal period.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to a withdrawal request by his representative. The case is remanded for further examination and development regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that her preexisting condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for left foot pes planus. The case is now before the RO to clarify whether service connection was intended for left foot pes planus alone, and if so, to adjudicate whether separate ratings are warranted for left foot Morton's neuroma, calcaneal spur, and/or traumatic changes of great toe.

The Board has restored a 40% disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar DDD and granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the entire appeal period.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is granted. The Board has remanded several issues related to other disabilities, including knee, ankle, foot, and psychiatric conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for trochanteric bursitis of the left hip, left knee effusion, and bilateral pes planus due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, left fifth finger disability, tinea cruris, and headaches due to issues with the assigned ratings. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding private or VA treatment records pertinent to these disabilities since separation from service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, cervical spine disorder, headaches, left and right plantar fasciitis are all granted service connection. The Veteran's tinnitus and foot injuries remain in dispute.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected knee disabilities, bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, a back disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The Veteran also has pending claims seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's right foot conditions, including degenerative osteoarthritis, first metatarsal head, and plantar fasciitis, are being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for gout, sleep apnea disorder, and flat feet. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if the current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has not been established due to lack of audiometric testing meeting VA criteria for impaired hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 30, 2015 for the grant of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left wrist sprain (non-dominant), right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right shin splints with stress fractures was denied. The effective date is set at September 30, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not rated higher than 30 percent.,Prior to March 16, 2018, the Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder was rated at 10 percent; since then, it has been rated at 20 percent. The left shoulder condition remains at 10 percent prior to March 16, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was initially rated as noncompensable but is now rated at 20 percent; his cervical spine condition has been rated at 10 percent since March 16, 2018.,Left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right hip strain with osteoarthritis have both been rated at 10 percent. The left hip strain conditions are each rated at 10 percent prior to March 16, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter for limited flexion.,The Veteran's right hip strain with osteoarthritis has a separate noncompensable evaluation for limitation of flexion.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and assignment of an earlier effective date. The Veteran's claim for service connection is based on direct evidence, not a presumption or reopening due to new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability was aggravated by active service, and if so, whether it is clear and unmistakable that any increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, as the cause of death (cardiac arrest, anemia/bleeding and coagulopathy) is attributed to gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to his military service.