Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right and left foot hallux valgus with bunions is denied. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are rated at 10 percent each prior to January 5, 2017; 30 percent from January 5, 2017 to September 17, 2017; and 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, and the issues of difficulty breathing and joint pain, as well as a bilateral foot disability are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disorder, bilateral pes planus, schizophrenia, periorbital eye disorder, abnormal heart disorder, and defective vision. The decision found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet with residuals of heel spurs prior to July 25, 2019 have been rated at 10 percent, and are not entitled to a higher rating from that date. From July 25, 2019, the Veteran's condition has been rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires treatment with oral hyperglycemic agent and a restricted diet, and is not entitled to a higher rating.,Service connection for gastrointestinal condition, thyroid condition, and acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD and anxiety disorder) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of his current disabilities to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to service, including exposure to battery fumes during service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is granted, but the issue is remanded as it was previously denied in an unappealed rating decision.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis with heel spur was granted a temporary increased rating of 20 percent from December 18, 2017 to November 18, 2018. The condition is now denied for higher ratings. Service connection for secondary neurologic disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's left inguinal hernia from March 8, 1976 to March 24, 2006, and an appropriate VA examination for his bilateral plantar calluses. The issues of TDIU are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the rating assigned for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and right knee disability, finding no link between these conditions and active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased PTSD, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral foot disability. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints or findings related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including anxiety, hip and knee disabilities, and hypothyroidism, have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance due to her functional impairments. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service connection for plantar fasciitis is granted. The rating for dermatitis is increased to 60 percent, effective the date of claim. Other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding tinnitus, bilateral hip condition, bilateral foot condition (pes planus), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to a challenge raised by the Veteran's representative regarding the competency of the VA examiner who conducted an examination for pes planus in November 2014. The issues are related and require further investigation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and sleep apnea due to incomplete records. The Veteran needs to provide VA with all treatment records from VA facilities where he was treated during the appellate period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's flat feet began during service and have continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right and left knee disorders, flat feet, a left shoulder disorder, and migraine headaches. The Veteran needs new VA medical opinions or examinations regarding these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a lipoma of the right-side abdomen, but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus due to insufficient evidence.