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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome with major depressive-like episodes and with anxious distress) as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, migraine headaches, depressive disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and arm, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand and arm, prevent her from securing and following any substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU, increased ratings for various knee and back disabilities, service connection for shoulder, ankle, foot, and sleep apnea conditions, as well as reopening of his hypertension claim are all remanded. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted service connection, while the claims for colon resection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, right wrist condition, right knee condition, low back condition, bilateral foot condition, and ingrown toenails are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, poor circulation, chronic infections, Bell's Palsy, Dupuytren’s Contracture, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, cataracts, erectile dysfunction, a skin disorder, and plantar fasciitis, all claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The claims are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot disability due to incomplete examination reports and new theories of entitlement.

The Board has remanded the cases for compliance with previous directives, including obtaining VA and SSA records. Addendum opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of current cervical spine, lumbar spine, left foot, and left knee disabilities. A psychiatric examination is also required to assess PTSD severity.

The Veteran's appeal for an increase in his PTSD rating is denied, and he is granted a TDIU effective March 14, 2017. His PTSD symptoms are currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left foot plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the service connection for a bilateral foot disability, low back disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of a cervical spine disability and a bilateral foot condition other than pes planus due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral foot disability due to new evidence received more than one year after the last final rating decision. The Veteran's lay statements and STRs indicate worsening of these disabilities during his deployment in Iraq.

The Board denied service connection for right foot pes planus and left foot pes planus, finding that the Veteran's preexisting pes planus did not worsen during his military service.

Service connection is granted for acne rosacea, bilateral pes planus, and a bilateral foot disorder other than pes planus. The Veteran's left knee, right knee, right hip, back, and obstructive sleep apnea disorders are being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's atrial fibrillation is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination report, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's right foot disability is related to in-service cold injuries.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prediabetes, allergic rhinitis, helicobacter pylori, hypertension, osteoarthritis, a back disability (secondary to bilateral foot disability), and right and left knee disabilities. The effective dates were not addressed as they are not relevant to the disposition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and ankle pain is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 23, 2015, and the claim for an evaluation in excess of this rating is denied. Separate ratings are granted for left and right ankle calcaneal spurs from July 1, 2012 to January 22, 2015, and for left and right ankle degenerative arthritis from January 23, 2015 to February 26, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the pes planus claim, denied secondary service connection for varicose veins, and denied compensable ratings for residual fractures of the metatarsals.

The appeals seeking increased ratings for depression, right ankle degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, and reopening claims for diabetes mellitus, gout, and left ankle condition have been dismissed.,New evidence has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower back condition, bilateral flat feet, and right and left lower leg/foot conditions.