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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus, finding that his condition pre-existed military service and did not worsen during service. The case is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of other foot disorders (plantar fasciitis, enthesopathy, neuroma, degenerative arthritis) present during the period of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses of hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis were not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disorder and bilateral foot disorder due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's heart condition is being reviewed again, including considering his medications and prior diagnoses, while the bilateral foot disorder claim requires an opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for multiple joint arthritis, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities, bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, cardiac disability (including heart palpitations), and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence.,Further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examination and missing VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to left foot, ankle, knee, and back disabilities are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is not required to have an underlying diagnosis of arthritis or other specific condition; pain alone can constitute a disability under VA law if it results in functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring additional VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder and its relationship to his service-connected dermatophytosis (skin disability) and/or PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, including left foot hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, pes planus, and plantar fasciitis; right shoulder and left foot scars; residuals of lung cancer (status post right upper lobectomy and tube thoracotomy with emphysema); and muscle tension dyspenia. The Veteran's tinnitus appeal was also denied.

The Veteran's lung cancer was rated at 100% permanent, and the issues of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, increased rating for left foot disability, and increased rating for lumbar spine disability were pending at the time of his death. The appellant is granted as a substitute party for these issues.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a left foot disability and a left ankle disability have been granted. The left foot disability is considered to be directly related to his military service, while the left ankle disability is found to be secondary to the left foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and asthma were denied service connection as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The eye condition due to trauma, lumbar strain, and right hip pain issues are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's current diagnoses will be reconsidered based on new evidence and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI residuals, and pes planus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, low back, and bilateral pes planus disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet and lower back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal heel spurs due to incomplete examination results and need for clarification on whether bilateral pes planus is a distinct disorder from the service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to verify the Veteran's periods of service and obtain any outstanding records, including treatment records. The claims for service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and aggravation of pes planus are being remanded due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The claims for left ear pain, back condition, groin pain, and plantar fasciitis will also be considered.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to September 23, 1997 and ratings for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection remain in remand status and require further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot and knee disabilities did not incur during active service, were not caused by active service, and are not related to any service-connected disability. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been denied.