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

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, prior to November 28, 2014.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was denied a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including a vocational rehabilitation evaluation that assesses the Veteran's current limitations and their effect on his ability to perform in his occupational field. The issue of entitlement to VR&E benefits is still pending.

The Board denied service connection for low back condition, left knee condition, right foot plantar fasciitis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as they were not shown to be related to the Veteran's military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus prior to November 27, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability and lumbar strain were not incurred or aggravated during active service, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.,For right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, the Veteran’s current condition is manifested by limited flexion but greater than 45 degrees. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral foot conditions (osteoarthritis and pes planus) to his in-service left ingrown toenail surgery.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations did not comply with the remand directives and thus, the claims for service connection for low back disability and right foot disability are being remanded. The TDIU claim is also deferred as it is inextricably intertwined with the remaining claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disability of both feet is rated at 30 percent since April 19, 2012. The appeal for increased evaluation and SMC was denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for left and right foot disabilities due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his bilateral foot disability, as well as his claims for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye disability, and bilateral hand disability. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for a sleep-related disability or an increased rating higher than 50 percent for his bilateral foot disability. His claims for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye disability, and bilateral hand disability are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, spina bifida, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including as residuals from TBI). Service connection was denied for bilateral pes planus and total abdominal hysterectomy.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's low back disability due to an in-service injury. The Board found that her current condition is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and a temporary total disability rating. The main issue is that further medical examinations are needed due to the passage of time since previous evaluations.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, peroneus tendonitis, and calcaneal spur status post left foot surgery is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted a rating of 30 percent, but no higher. The TDIU claim is denied as the service-connected disabilities do not prevent gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress has made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for bilateral pes planus and heel spurs was granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective March 30, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal for his claims, and thus the August 2016 rating decision is final.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete information regarding the Veteran's foot disabilities. The VA needs to provide a new opinion from a qualified clinician who did not previously examine the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot condition and Meniere's syndrome.