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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, low back mechanical low back syndrome, and bilateral pes planus. The right eye condition is remanded for further examination.,Service connection for a left eye disability was denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus prior to September 29, 2015. The rating is effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various foot and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for further development.

The Veteran's splenectomy residuals, bilateral pes planus, and cholecystectomy residuals with esophageal varices have been evaluated. The Board has found that the Veteran's splenectomy residuals are already at their maximum rating, while his bilateral pes planus warrants a 10% evaluation since December 6, 2019. His cholecystectomy residuals require further development as they were not previously addressed in this appeal.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was dismissed as a matter of law. The Board found that the October 2019 rating decision did not constitute a final decision by the agency and thus, the appeal must be dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the aggravation of a preexisting left foot disability, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot disability due to the need for additional medical examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities are granted service connection, with the left knee disability receiving an initial rating of at least 10 percent based on instability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The Veteran's service connection claim for a left foot disability, diagnosed as pes planus, hallux valgus, and plantar fasciitis, was granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left foot disability is related to a pre-existing injury and granted service connection. The right foot disability issue was remanded for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew all of his claims, including those related to service connection for various disabilities and initial ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the evaluations of service connection for bilateral foot, low back, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities. However, these claims are currently REMANDED as additional medical opinions are needed due to the Veteran's assertions regarding his conditions being aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, flat feet, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent since June 29, 2014, for bilateral plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and any additional foot diagnoses noted on examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's pes planus is a congenital defect or disease. The Veteran was previously denied service connection for his bilateral foot disorder, but the issue was reopened and recharacterized on the merits.

The Board has decided the initial rating for chronic sinusitis prior to May 15, 2019 and denied a higher rating thereafter. The claims for service connection of left foot disability, right foot disability, fibromyalgia, back disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance should be remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a medical opinion regarding whether he required regular aid and attendance due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches, left and right hand nerve damage (carpal tunnel syndrome), bilateral pes planus, and a foot disorder other than pes planus. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and examination, as there are inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported dates of service and medical records. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.