Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, a low back disability, and a left ankle disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his active duty.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as his manifestations of any additional claimed acquired psychiatric disability are not clearly distinguishable from his service-connected PTSD. The appeal is remanded for further development on several orthopedic issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, allergic rhinitis, right foot disability, and sleep disorder. The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for hypertension, and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between her current conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, was granted. Service connection for PTSD was denied. For the rating period from March 4, 2016 to December 7, 2016, a 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was granted. For the rating period from December 7, 2016 forward, an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent is not possible as the Veteran is already at the maximum allowable rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right foot disability is remanded due to incomplete examination and lack of consideration of functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for arthritis of the left great toe and bilateral pes planus due to inadequate opinions in the July 2021 VA examination.

The Board has dismissed appeals for ratings on lumbar spine spondylosis and bilateral pes planus, and the appeal as to TDIU is moot. The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 100% effective December 10, 2015. The case is remanded for further development regarding a higher rating for PTSD prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ear disorder, right leg disability, left leg disability, and low back disability have been granted. The claim for service connection for a right foot disorder and left foot disorder is being remanded.,The Veteran's request to withdraw his claim of service connection for a right ear disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet has been dismissed because the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities. However, these claims are still being remanded as new opinions are needed to determine if there is a relationship between his current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evaluation of the Veteran's left lower extremity disabilities, including his Achilles and foot conditions. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from November 1, 2014 to March 2, 2016 is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a combined 100% disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the lack of evidence showing that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is directly related to his military service or any other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The issues of service connection for eczema rash, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), epididymitis, lactose intolerance, residuals of vasectomy, and Gulf War syndrome have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus due to a lack of adequate consideration of his lay statements regarding worsening during service and subsequent surgery.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied. The Board has remanded several of the issues due to insufficient evidence or conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an initial rating for bilateral pes planus. The case is remanded for further action on service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and outdated VA examinations. The Veteran's disabilities, including his acquired psychiatric disorder, are being evaluated further.

The claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran's pulmonary embolism (fainting spells) and systemic lupus (arthritis) are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine their relationship to active service.