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

The Board has found that another remand is necessary as the Veteran is entitled to substantial compliance with Board remand directives. The case was previously before the Board in June 2019, and it has been returned for appellate consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left foot disability other than pes planus, and right foot disability other than pes planus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. Additional records are needed from VA treatment providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings for GERD, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, left ear hearing loss, and acquired flatfoot with plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his previously denied claims for obstructive sleep apnea and right hip disability. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder (flat feet and plantar fasciitis) claim remains pending as VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, bilateral foot condition, and skin cancer as a result of herbicide exposure. The decision concluded that the Veteran did not have chronic conditions in service or within presumptive periods, and there was no evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board finds no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria for hearing loss, and the Veteran has not provided sufficient credible evidence to establish service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further development to determine its relationship to service-connected PTSD and any other service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is remanded for further development to determine its relationship to service or a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's right foot bone spur is remanded for further development to determine its relationship to service or a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's bilateral eye disorder (dry eye syndrome) is remanded for further development to determine if it is related to exposure to burn pits during service.,The Veteran's right knee disorder is remanded for further development to determine its relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during the period from June 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected left foot disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The TDIU issue is also being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability has been reopened, with the evidence showing a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot disability has been reopened, with the evidence showing a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, with the onset during service.,Service connection for bilateral foot disability is granted. The Veteran's current disabilities are linked to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet and a bilateral knee disability, including as due to bilateral flat feet. The appeal was dismissed for diabetes mellitus and arthritis in both hands (claimed as pain in both hands).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral foot disorder, and disorders affecting his lower extremities due to insufficient opinions provided by VA examiners. The issues are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of ankylosis or marked limitation of motion.,For her pes planus and chronic constipation claims, additional evidence is needed as VA examinations are required.

The Veteran's disability rating was less than 30% until March 20, 2017. Therefore, he did not qualify for additional dependent benefits before that date.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted. The Board also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those involving right foot hallux valgus, left shoulder disability, GI condition, low back disability and radiculopathy, hip disabilities, erectile dysfunction, Achilles' tendon conditions, foot conditions, gout, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disability, sinus disability, bladder disability, and low back disability due to unclear notification of scheduled VA examinations. Additional development is required to ensure that the Veteran receives proper notifications and scheduling.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to service-connected sinusitis. Service connection was denied for chronic venous bilateral lower and upper insufficiency with lymphedema, as well as left plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.