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

The Veteran's ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were reduced to zero percent, effective April 7, 2020. The rating for bilateral flat feet was restored to a 30 percent rating effective April 7, 2020.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining issues of service connection. Service connection is granted for tinnitus as it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, which includes parachute jumps and Ranger training. The low back disability, left foot disabilities (including callouses and bunions), right foot disabilities (including callouses and bunions), right hip disability, and left knee disability are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service injury, event, or illness.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty and are related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability, a menstruation disability, a headache disability, and obesity due to incomplete VA examinations and lack of Gulf War examination records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spondylosis and plantar fascitis due to incomplete STRs and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, allergic rhinitis, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, left and right knee disabilities, and erectile dysfunction. Additional development is needed as VA examinations are required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis should be remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus existed prior to service and was aggravated by her active duty, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for right hand, left hand, right foot, and left foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The vision disability claim is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right foot disability, gastrointestinal (GI) disability, and left eye detached retina residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and a right foot bunion, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were aggravated by active service or caused during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension. The Veteran will need to undergo new examinations, and additional VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding, pertinent private treatment records that have not been associated with the record. The Veteran is required to submit complete, fully executed VA Forms 21-4142 and -4142a for all identified providers.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as initial compensable ratings for left and right foot disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete medical opinions and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates are being remanded due to procedural issues and lack of formal or informal claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was reopened and granted. The Board found that his pre-existing pes planus underwent an increase in severity during service, presumed to be due to the rigors of military training. The Veteran's current disability is considered a direct result of this aggravation.