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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot pain and PTSD as they are related to service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if her current foot conditions began during service.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus is denied as the evidence does not show marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's headaches were granted a 50% disability rating effective September 28, 2017. However, his TDIU claim was denied as he is not unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disorder is reopened, and the issue of a compensable rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of the left foot disorder and the current severity of IBS.

The Board has granted service connection for left elbow lateral epicondylitis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, and right foot hallux valgus.,An initial rating higher than 10 percent for right elbow osteoarthritis prior to August 2, 2018 has been denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including evaluations for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, degenerative disc disease, calcaneal spur of the right heel, and left hip. The Veteran will need additional examinations and opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, left leg and right leg varicose veins, lumbar degenerative disc disease, impairment of the left hip/thigh, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, left hip arthritis/limitation of flexion, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, right foot hammertoes, left foot hammertoes, and right hip strain, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a back disability, a lung spot, groin area itch, and an acquired psychiatric condition are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,New and material evidence has been submitted in support of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is granted, but the case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the worsening of his condition in-service was due to natural progression.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraines, PTSD with TBI (also claimed as anxiety), and plantar fasciitis of the right foot due to insufficient evidence.,No effective date earlier than August 7, 2017 is granted for the grants of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis, service connection for sleep apnea and low back disorder, and service connection for a left knee disorder. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and medical opinions are obtained.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for back, neck, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to an improper Substantive Appeal submitted by the Veteran's representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability due to lack of evidence of any current right foot disability.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from October 31, 2010 to April 3, 2019. The decision found that the service-connected conditions alone rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and noting that the condition did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1117 or 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for left-side and right-side shin splints, but the appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for plantar fasciitis, lower back disability, and ratings for shin splints.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection have not been properly adjudicated and requires further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for left ankle and foot disabilities, PTSD, L5-S1 disc rupture, and resection of hemorrhoids. Additional evidence is needed, particularly from VA treatment records and SSA disability compensation records.