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

The Veteran's hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year of discharge.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied due to the absence of any pre-existing condition noted at entry into service and a lack of aggravation by military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral pes planus, and decreased visual acuity are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The RO needs to consider these records in their decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided by VA examiners. The claims will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is not service-connected.,Right knee arthritis has been granted as service-connected, but the rating remains at 10%.,Left knee and bilateral foot disabilities are not service-connected.,For the period prior to December 10, 2010, the initial rating for CAD was denied (rating is currently 10%).,For the period after December 10, 2010, a higher rating for CAD remains denied.

The Veteran's hallux valgus with pes planus and degenerative arthritis of the left foot is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for acquired unilateral flatfoot. The evidence does not show unilateral hallux valgus with operated resection of the metatarsal head or severe symptoms equivalent to amputation of the great toe.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot and hip conditions, including a heart disorder. The issues are being reviewed to determine if there is any evidence of pre-existing conditions or if they were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with depressive disorder NOS and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the combined effects of his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to work.

A higher rating of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus is granted from July 19, 2010 through September 6, 2019. The claim for service connection for jock itch (secondary to Type II Diabetes Mellitus) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, specifically failing to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran's right foot disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and post-operative right hip disability have been granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability is denied as not related to service. Right knee and left knee disabilities are partially granted with various ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for pes planus is being remanded due to incomplete medical records from Maxwell Air Base Hospital. The case will be reviewed again with the additional information.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation of pre-existing conditions or causation during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's representative withdrew her claim for chronic sinusitis/sinus infections, and the increased rating and secondary service connection claims are pending.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical spine, sinusitis, left ankle disability, and left foot disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, lower back disability, left ankle disability, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's lay statements and buddy statements from his wife and fellow Veterans have been considered.

The Board denied service connection for dental disability for compensation purposes due to the absence of current evidence of a compensable dental disability recognized as a VA compensation condition.,The Board also denied service connection for right lower extremity disability, finding that there was no evidence showing onset in service or within one year after service and concluding that any current disability is not related to service.

The Board has found that a further examination is required as the January 2020 VA medical examination partially contradicts the medical evidence of record. Specifically, the medical examination did not find any meniscal (semilunar cartilage) conditions or 'any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms' related to diagnosed bilateral patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, right foot, and knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations in prior decisions. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations or provide a medical opinion based on file review.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral tibial stress syndrome and bilateral foot disability due to their inextricably intertwined nature.