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

The claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether his pre-existing condition was aggravated by active service and any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left leg shin splints and left foot plantar fasciitis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, as he is able to perform his daily activities without regular assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's claims for extended temporary total rating, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, TDIU, increased ratings for left and right foot disabilities, and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

Service connection for Major Depressive Disorder is granted.,A rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected residuals of right knee medial meniscal tear (right knee disability), based on limitation of flexion, is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, patellofemoral syndrome with subluxation of the right knee, and patellofemoral syndrome with limited motion of the right knee due to inadequate medical opinions in the July 2021 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for anemia, sleep apnea, and hypothyroidism have been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting withdrawals of her appeals.,Her right foot strain was rated noncompensable prior to June 6, 2011. From that date, she received a separate 10% rating for arthritis in her right foot. The Board denied a higher rating from July 23, 2014 to January 9, 2020 and granted a 50% rating starting from January 9, 2020.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, which was granted in June 2012. The Board finds that the September 2014 decision did not become final due to ongoing appeal of the underlying claim for increase. Therefore, the motion seeking revision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed. The effective date issue must be remanded as it was not adjudicated in the November 2018 HLR decision.

The Board denied service connection for neck, low back, left knee/leg, left foot, and right foot disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing chronic or recurring symptoms during or immediately after service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for an addendum opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and a right foot disability, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to military service or aggravation by a pre-existing condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral flat feet, and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (BHL) and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left ankle and foot disabilities, as well as her bilateral hearing loss disability, are related to service. However, due to insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service, a remand is necessary for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities in the knees, shoulders, or BTM, nor any nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the failure of VA to obtain necessary medical opinions as per a previous remand directive. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has been granted. The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, nerve damage of the tongue, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and agoraphobia with panic attacks), and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral plantar fasciitis have been dismissed as the appeal is pending at the time of his death.