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

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a leg disorder, as they are inextricably intertwined. The claims will be reviewed with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding her service connection for various conditions, and for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a bilateral hand joint disability. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral pes planus was granted, but the case is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left plantar fasciitis, as well as entitlement to a back disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip strain. The claim of service connection for a back disorder on direct basis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, eye disability, bilateral knee and elbow disabilities, bilateral hand disabilities, low back disability, and right foot disability. The Veteran's service treatment records are negative for any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions.

The Veteran's left leg disability, including knee and ankle impairment, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine the severity of his disability and any bilateral foot issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, to include flat feet, due to insufficient rationale in the VA medical opinion and failure to consider lay statements regarding in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's migraines do not result in characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months, thus denying an initial compensable rating.,There is no evidence of arthritis during service or within one year post-service, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it began in service. The claim for arthritis is denied.,The Veteran has not been diagnosed with residuals of circumcision of the penis at any time relevant to this appeal. His reports of symptoms do not constitute evidence of a current disability, even if they are related to his service. The claim for residuals of circumcision of the penis is denied.,Coronary artery disease did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for coronary artery disease is denied.,A lumbar spine disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Right ankle and right foot disabilities are not secondary to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as there is no evidence of such a relationship. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for conjunctivitis, arthritis of hands and thumbs, bilateral wrist disability (pain and popping), and bilateral foot disability (blisters and calluses). The left shoulder disability claim is also remanded.,Service connection was not granted as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Board found that the appellant's claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claim for bilateral pes planus and remanded it for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with Haglund deformity has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in February and March 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and left foot disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

For the entire period on appeal, an increased evaluation of 30 percent for a service-connected left foot disability is granted. The Veteran's nerve disability of the left lower extremities (RSD) remains in dispute and requires further review.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus due to clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The cases of bilateral hip, shin splint, and ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The appeal of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral foot disability is dismissed.,The appeal of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating.,The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and left shoulder disability has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for aggravated existing pes planus of each foot and currently diagnosed disorders of each foot other than pes planus, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.