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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his hearing loss began during service or is related to in-service noise exposure.,For the period prior to May 25, 2019, the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits has been denied as he did not meet the requirements for permanent and total disability due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and bilateral foot disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service. The left eye pterygium is rated at 10% since October 26, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU award, finding that he was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 19, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for right foot pes planus, left foot pes planus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and left knee disability before the Board could make a final decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastrointestinal and right foot disabilities due to incomplete development, new evidence, and potential applicability of presumptive provisions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted as service-connected due to aggravation during service. The issue of allergic rhinitis has been rendered moot by a December 2019 rating decision granting the claim. Service connection for GERD and sleep apnea remains pending, with new evidence required. The Veteran's arthritis of the bilateral feet is also pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus from August 11, 2009 to April 4, 2016 was denied as the evidence did not show severe level of flatfoot disability such as marked deformity (e.g., pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, or characteristic callosities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of acquired psychiatric disability, low back disability, bilateral foot disability, and fibromyalgia has been remanded due to need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma, left knee disability, right knee disability, left hand disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, asthma, and sleep apnea. The claim for COPD is remanded due to potential TCE exposure. The claims for right foot disability and left foot disability are also remanded.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions as they were not found related to his service or any other compensable basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and an inadequate opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted effective dates of December 23, 2005 for both the TDIU and DEA benefits awarded to the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia, including a need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral metatarsalgia, finding that the current disabilities did not have onset due to disease or injury sustained during a period of service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus, bronchial asthma, bilateral hip disability, tonsillectomy and residuals of fractured middle finger. The Veteran was last provided VA examinations relating to these issues in April 2016, nearly five years ago. As a result, the Board has remanded the case for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remands and insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left foot disability and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records from 1971 to 2016 that have not been obtained. The Veteran must provide these records or VA will make a follow-up request.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to concerns about the competency of a VA examiner who provided an opinion on the left foot disability. The Veteran and his representative need information about this examiner's qualifications, and a new medical opinion is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated by military service, but there is insufficient evidence to determine if it was permanently aggravated. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.