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

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur of the right foot have been denied.

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not properly consider new evidence submitted after a final rating decision, and thus remands the case for reconsideration of service connection claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and GERD have been granted initial ratings. The effective date for these grants is June 2, 2016.

The appeal with respect to the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and disabilities of the shoulders, elbows, and feet has been dismissed. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported, but further evidence is needed regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the threshold for a disability rating. For migraine headaches, he is granted a 30% rating prior to August 30, 2018 and denied any higher rating thereafter. For bilateral plantar fasciitis, he is granted a 30% rating prior to June 2, 2017 and a 50% rating starting from that date.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for a back disability, brain tumor, and foot disability is granted. The cases are remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA), as well as VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning regarding the dorsal exostosis and the presumption of soundness. The Veteran's right foot disability, including pes planus, sixth metatarsal with partial fusion, and dorsal exostosis, is being considered for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional STRs, a formal finding of unavailability, and an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, left ankle sprain and fracture residuals, and left ankle scar, are found to be sufficient to prevent the Veteran from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, new VA examinations are required for her cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between the condition and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral pes planus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service. The claim for an upper respiratory disorder was remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the December 2019 remand directives and has therefore ordered a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for upper respiratory conditions, pulmonary conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions due to lack of a VA examination. The heart disability and sleep apnea claims have been denied.

The Veteran's right foot callosities, degenerative arthritis, metatarsalgia, and plantar fasciitis are granted as service-connected. The initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at 10 percent from September 16, 2014. The initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at 10 percent from September 16, 2014. The initial rating for lumbosacral strain with spondylosis is granted at 40 percent from September 16, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities and that any preexisting conditions did not worsen during service. The Board also found that the Veteran’s current symptoms are more likely related to his service-connected lumbar spine strain than to cold injuries sustained in service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine disability, as well as his claims for increased ratings for right and left foot disabilities. The VA will need to verify any periods of active duty for training or inactive duty for training and provide an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current cervical spine diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right hand disability and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examinations. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee disability due to lack of evidence showing aggravation during active duty.,Service connection was also not granted for ichthyosis.