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

The Veteran's application for clothing allowances for bilateral foot braces and capsicum cream was denied because the underlying purpose of awarding clothing allowance is to provide compensation for wear and tear on clothing due to use of a qualifying brace or appliance, which was not established in this case.

The Veteran's pes planus and bilateral hearing loss have been remanded for further evaluation due to the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for left upper extremity radiculopathy was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,A 10 percent disability rating is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, with pain on manipulation and use of the feet.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeals for various issues, including service connection claims and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and remands for further examination of his bilateral hearing loss, bilateral foot, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of reopening the service connection for a right foot disability was granted, and it is determined that his current right foot disability is related to an injury sustained during military training. The Board found new evidence sufficient to reopen the case.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for left knee disability and hearing loss were denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's pes planus claim requires a remand due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for kidney failure, hip and knee conditions, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claims on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's lower back disability, which is not under appeal, creates intertwined issues that must be resolved prior to deciding the appealed issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus (right), post-traumatic stress disorder (MST), left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and post right foot hallux valgus surgery scars, do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right knee disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, and bilateral foot disability are all remanded for further review. Additionally, the Veteran's PTSD rating is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, particularly those related to service connection. The claims for tinnitus and bilateral foot disability have been granted, but further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral PFS, as well as her other foot conditions. The Veteran was last examined over 7 years ago.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for various disabilities, including right and left ankle disabilities, cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, shoulder and knee conditions, and bilateral plantar fasciotomies. The appeals are being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the cause of his current disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hallux valgus is being remanded due to the need for further medical guidance on the etiology of his disability and an opportunity to submit additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, a right foot disability, and functional diarrhea. The appeals seeking service connection for fibromyalgia and CFS have been dismissed.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for plantar fasciitis and pes planus, bilateral was denied as her original claim was denied in October 2009, which became final. She filed a new request to reopen her service connection claim on February 21, 2013, after which she received service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and TDIU claims are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, a new VA examination for bilateral pes planus, and a VCAA notice letter regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot condition, left foot disability, PTSD, and TDIU was granted. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% prior to January 13, 2017, and 100% from that date.