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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to January 30, 2020. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected bilateral pes planus, cold weather injury of bilateral toes, and hallux valgus. The RO is also instructed to obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lower back and bilateral foot disabilities as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities due to in-service duties. The VA examiners' opinions were inadequate, and an addendum opinion is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet is dismissed due to pyramiding.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been granted. The Veteran served in the Southwest Asia theater and has a current diagnosis of IBS.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is remanded due to lack of an appropriate diagnosis or clear etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for dizziness, including due to undiagnosed illness, is remanded as the cause of his symptoms has not been determined.,Service connection for chronic frontal sinusitis is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its onset and relation to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, hip, knee, and lumbar spine disorders due to incomplete examination findings and lack of addressing certain contentions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his right knee, right ankle, left ankle, and right foot disabilities. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues, including respiratory disability, psychiatric disorder, cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, and foot disabilities, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria and there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and its relationship to service. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to address his allegations of in-service foot pain.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral metatarsalgia due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's conditions are being requested to be evaluated again by a VA examiner.

Service connection is granted for a scar tissue mass/hematoma of the right upper posterior thigh.,Service connection is denied for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee and bilateral foot disability, as well as headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus prior to December 2, 2015 was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher evaluation due to mild flatfoot symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support.

The case is being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine the extent and severity of the left first toe trauma fracture disability, including whether each diagnosed condition is proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran’s service-connected left first toe trauma fracture disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right foot pes planus were denied an increased rating prior to April 15, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his employment history and medical evidence did not support a conclusion that he was unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues including service connection for sinusitis, TMJ disorder, bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis), and an initial rating greater than 10 percent for GERD and IBS with inflammatory bowel disease. The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is already rated as part of his TBI.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's education and work experience, particularly during the period relevant to the TDIU claim. The appellant is asked to provide a detailed statement of the Veteran’s business activities and income from these activities in each year between 2008 and 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, finding no relationship between the current condition and active service.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for left foot plantar fasciitis with plantar spur and PTSD from September 24, 2012 to April 19, 2016 have been granted. The Veteran's ingrown toenails are secondary to service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis with plantar spur. Separate ratings for ulcerative colitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are requested. An initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD since April 20, 2016 is also requested.