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

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his plantar wart, left foot 4th metatarsal was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating moderately severe other foot injuries.,The Board found no current diagnosis of a thoracolumbar spine condition and concluded that any back pain experienced by the Veteran was due to his hip condition (meralgia paresthetica). Therefore, service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus deformity is rated at a maximum of 30 percent since December 5, 2005.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 11, 2015, for service connection of right ankle and right knee disabilities. The appeals for bilateral pes planus, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), low back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), skin disorder other than PFB, right ankle disability, and right knee disability are pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, right foot disability, left foot disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for bilateral flat feet and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral flat feet is not considered aggravated by his active service, and there is no evidence of a worsening during service. For obstructive sleep apnea, the VA examiner found it less likely than not that any of the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which may have contributed to his condition.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, urinary disability, bilateral foot disability, right leg disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.,For each condition, the decision states that there is no direct evidence showing a relationship between the condition and service. The Veteran's assertions were not considered sufficient to establish a nexus with Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of private treatment records. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus condition needs to be re-evaluated by a new examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions were aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot disability and a bilateral leg disability due to additional development being needed, including new VA examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and other disabilities do not warrant a compensable rating or TDIU prior to January 23, 2009.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The lumbar spine disability is not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 100% since October 19, 2011. Bilateral pes planus with right foot hallux valgus is rated at 50% since February 28, 2005. The left knee limitation of flexion and medial meniscal tear are separately rated at 10% and 20%, respectively.

The Board has determined that there may be outstanding VA and SSA records, and therefore the claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and further development is necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete development of the Vocational Rehabilitation file.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed foot disabilities. The VA will need to obtain additional evidence and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if he has any other foot conditions that are related to his service.

The Veteran is granted TDIU after July 10, 2014 due to her service-connected disabilities, but not prior to that date.

The Veteran's service connection for a variously diagnosed respiratory disability is granted. The appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability and TDIU prior to September 16, 2011 is denied. Service connection for the foot disability is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the evidence showing he cannot work due to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and planar fasciitis, which limit his ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods.