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

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected pes planus and HIV infection, as well as the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to support the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including obtaining outstanding VA outpatient treatment records and verifying her in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran also needs a VA examination to address her current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a concussion, tinnitus, right gastrocnemius muscle tear, pes planus, and TDIU due to issues with notification and development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the preexisting condition worsened during service beyond its natural progression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disorder, including neuropathy, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for a left ankle disability due to service-connected left knee and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for right knee disability is dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the issue. The Board has remanded several other issues including peripheral neuropathy, respiratory disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, skin disability (PFB), bilateral kidney disability, hearing loss, insomnia, depression, erectile dysfunction, and eye conditions.

The Board has vacated the May 28, 2020 decision due to denial of due process. The case is remanded for further action on service connection claims including PTSD and anxiety disorders.

The Board granted service connection for left foot disability, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and denied a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus. The effective dates for these decisions were set at January 30, 2018.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, effective from when the appeal was filed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a chronic skin disability. The Veteran's claim for bilateral pes planus is granted with an initial rating of 30 percent prior to September 18, 2017 and 50 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left foot and right foot disabilities, lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy of the lower extremities, as well as increased ratings for these conditions. The appeals are currently on appeal due to outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

Service connection for a ganglion cyst of the right index finger is granted.,A 30 percent disability rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a right foot disability and a back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left foot plantar fasciitis have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent each, effective from November 12, 2019. The issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and knee disabilities in the lower extremities remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, right hip disability, and pes planus of the right foot due to inadequate VA examinations in April 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded due to incomplete examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims for obstructive sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and pes planus with plantar fasciitis to consider additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient examination and lack of compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus is alleged to have been aggravated by service, but an addendum opinion is needed to address this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Cushing's Disease and a pituitary tumor have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has not been reopened as there is no new or material evidence.