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

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and service connection for a bilateral foot disability due to insufficient medical evidence of record. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records, private medical records, and undergo new examinations to determine his current level of disability and whether it is related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an eye disability. However, these claims must be remanded to obtain additional evidence as they are not yet fully developed.

The appeal for higher initial ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, epistaxis, and keratotic papule epistaxis is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for alopecia, migraine headaches, low back strain, right knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral syndrome, and left foot pes planus with plantar fasciitis and left heel spur due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, concluding that there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred during his active duty training (ACDUTRA) period. The appellant did not have a diagnosed foot condition at the time of enlistment and his STRs from ACDUTRA do not show any complaints or findings related to pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot hallux valgus, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis, GERD, and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy and cervico-trapezial myofascitis. The right upper extremity disability is also granted as secondary to the service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for bilateral pes planus in excess of 50% is denied. The appeal for service connection for bilateral paresthesias of the hands and forearms is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional examinations and development to address the issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral foot condition, headaches, dermatitis, and a claimed sinusitis. The Veteran will be provided with VA medical examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs to be reexamined for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as an additional VA etiology opinion for his obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, small Haglund deformities, and hammer toes are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a lower back disability and bilateral pes planus was granted. The claim for service connection for a lower back disability is remanded, while the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus is reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and left foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, bilateral fallen arches/flat feet, and cervical spine disorder have been granted service connection.,The Veteran's left knee disorder is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disability, left foot disability, migraine disability, right hand disability, CFS, and GI disabilities (IBS and GERD) have been granted. The claim for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for a compensable initial evaluation for right foot hallux valgus due to inadequate examination in the prior remand. The Veteran must be provided another VA examination that complies with the Board's May 2019 remand directives.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations for his lumbar spine, left lower extremity neuropathy, left shoulder, residuals of a mild concussion, bilateral hearing loss, plantar warts, left knee and femur, right foot disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and residuals of an allergy to bee sting.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further action consistent with the directives listed in the decision. The claims include service connection for a musculoskeletal disability, loss of bowel control, and bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot disabilities and depressive disorder due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her right and left feet, as well as her right and left ankles, which she alleges were caused by in-service injuries or events.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a sleep disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral pes planus are currently under review.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hypertension, and bilateral pes planus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with plantar calcaneal.