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

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders is granted.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected sarcoidosis, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to perform daily activities and protect him from hazards in his environment.

The claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis both feet is reopened, and the appeal is granted to this extent. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral foot disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence for his bilateral foot condition claim. The low back condition rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected erectile dysfunction and entitlement to an effective date earlier than September 1, 2013 for the grant of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and radiculopathy, left lower extremity has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial increased ratings for service-connected lumbar strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to service connection for right and left foot disabilities have been remanded as the preexisting bilateral pes planus noted upon entry into service may have undergone an increase in disability during active duty service. An addendum medical opinion is needed to address this issue.,The Veteran's appeal for initial increased ratings for service-connected lumbar strain has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected radiculopathy, left lower extremity have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to a separate rating for exertional compartment syndrome in his right foot has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to service connection for a left foot disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected traumatic brain injury has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left knee patellofemoral disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right knee patellofemoral disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for effective date earlier than July 18, 2017 for the increased 50 percent disability rating awarded for service-connected migraine headaches has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left leg length discrepancy, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, inguinal hernia on both sides, and a low back strain due to failure to readjudicate these issues in an SSOC as directed by the August 2016 Board remand.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including hypertension, renal disability, back disability, ischemic heart disease, liver disability, bilateral foot disability, and neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities. The issues have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, anxiety and acute insomnia), and sleep apnea due to new evidence added after previous decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.,Service connection is also granted for pes planus, with onset during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of bilateral hearing loss, patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and service connection for bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to incomplete records. The TDIU appeal is also deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and left foot disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is required to provide a VA examination to determine if his current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of current diagnoses and causal relationships. The Veteran's representative withdrew his request for a hearing, and VA needs to obtain relevant treatment records from private providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pes planus, pulmonary hypertension, and Leiden Factor V due to insufficient evidence or inaccurate history.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for back, right hip, right leg, right ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for hypertension from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective May 24, 2012, was improper and has restored the original rating of 20 percent. The claims for increased ratings for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral flat feet are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right foot disabilities due to a lack of current diagnoses in the medical records.

The Board has decided that the VA examination regarding the Veteran's bilateral flatfeet is inadequate and remands the case for further development, including a new VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete or insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and right ankle tendonitis, as well as her low back disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a left foot disability, both secondary to the Veteran's pre-existing left knee and right knee disabilities respectively.

Service connection for blurred vision, high blood pressure, chest pain, left foot disability, left ankle disability, right foot disability, left knee disability, heart condition, sinus condition, right hand condition, and shin bone pain have been reopened.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) has not been established.