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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and midfoot degenerative joint disease are granted service connection. Increased ratings of 20 percent for limitation of flexion of the right knee, left knee, extension of the right knee, extension of the left knee, instability of the right knee, and instability of the left knee are granted effective April 20/23, 2010 respectively. A separate rating of 10 percent is assigned for removal of cartilage in both knees. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The cases are now pending and will be rescheduled for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right foot disability, manifested by a plantar wart, is rated at 10 percent from January 10, 2005 to January 20, 2006.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of lumbar spine injury, bilateral leg disability, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability. The claims are all denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bowel condition, cancer of the uterus, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and bilateral pes planus are not supported by the evidence. The appeals have been remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's esophageal reflux disease and status post cholecystectomy have been granted a 10% rating from April 13, 2011. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for his left-hand fracture, service connection for gout, and service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and information.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is also being remanded for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's GERD developed during service and is granted service connection.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,For the lumbar spine disability, a higher rating than 10 percent is not warranted due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis. For left lower extremity sciatica (left lower extremity radiculopathy), a higher rating than 10 percent is also not warranted as there is no moderate, moderately severe, or severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right and left pes planus and hallux valgus are denied service connection. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his claims for right knee disability and dermatophytosis of the toenails, as he withdrew these issues during a hearing. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability and bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), finding no evidence of a nexus to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination and treatment records, requiring a new VA examination to determine if any current left foot disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to musculoskeletal disabilities, including left shoulder disability, cervical spine sprain, thoracolumbar spine strain, and abdominal muscle strain are all denied. The Board finds that VA examinations are required for the remaining claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include left knee, left foot, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, bilateral hallux valgus, and insomnia are remanded due to the need for further development. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded as it involves issues of direct service connection and potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during service and is granted.,There is no evidence of a current left toe disability, denial for this issue.,The Veteran does not have a current back disability, hypertension, or erectile dysfunction related to service. Denial for these issues.,The right foot condition is attributed to diabetes mellitus rather than service. Denial for this issue.,The Veteran's chest pain (heart disability) was likely due to his pre-existing GERD and not service-related. Denial for this issue.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for malaria, foot disability, ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, and general arthritis due to outstanding treatment records and additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her eye disabilities, hypertension, vascular disease, knee conditions, and foot condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to new evidence submitted that relates to the unestablished facts necessary to reopen his previously denied claims. The low back and right foot disabilities are related to an in-service incident, but the left foot disability is not.