Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, active sarcoidosis, and right foot disability. The claims are being remanded for further development regarding hypertension and right hip disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a bilateral heel condition (pes planus) is granted. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted, but the case is remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current foot disability.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus have been granted service connection. The disability ratings for bilateral pes planus are increased to greater than 10 percent prior to March 12, 1998, greater than 30 percent from March 12, 1998 to January 30, 2019, and greater than 50 percent beginning January 31, 2019. The disability ratings for right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus are both granted at a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his right foot status post neuroma excision with residual scar, metatarsalgia, and claw foot (pes cavus) has been granted at a 20 percent level.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service symptoms. Service connection was also granted for major depressive disorder with somatic symptom disorder.,Service connection for a back disability is granted as it is found to be secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee retropatellar pain syndrome and a compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus has been granted, as new and material evidence was received since the December 2007 denial.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spondylosis has been granted, with a finding that her disability began during active service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity have been granted, based on evidence showing a relationship to her cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension, heart condition, bilateral foot condition, and visual impairment are all remanded for further development to determine their relationship to service.,Specifically, the claims will be evaluated based on whether these conditions had their onset during active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea was granted. The appeal to reopen the claim for right foot disability and tinnitus were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and right foot disability, including as secondary to a low back disability due to issues with the qualifications of an August 2016 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence added to her case file after the November 2021 Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service. The claim for a right knee disability is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing potential secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for BPPV, Meniere's disease, and a left foot disability due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance at a higher rate due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The issue of entitlement to specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant is remanded for further development.

The Board has previously remanded the case for new VA medical opinions, but there has not been substantial compliance. The matter is being remanded again to obtain a new VA medical opinion by a different provider.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, right foot hammertoes, and bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) due to inadequate examination records. The case is being returned to the VA for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of left foot, right knee, left knee, and jaw disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded as further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the severity of his low back, right ankle, right knee, and bilateral feet disabilities. The claims are not currently decided on service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran was unable to attend a VA examination and provided testimony describing his injuries during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle and/or foot disabilities. The issue is whether these conditions are related to service, with particular focus on pes planus.