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

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is remanded for further evaluation and evidence collection.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot disability, including hammer toes, pes planus, degenerative arthritis of the foot, plantar fasciitis, and calcaneal heel spur, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected postoperative chondrosarcoma, right femur with metallic prosthesis of proximal shaft and head.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gastrointestinal disability, right ear hearing loss, and foot disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The gastrointestinal claim has reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder in September 2015 and an ankle disorder in September 2008. The Veteran's claims were not reopened.,For the low back, new evidence did not relate to Shedden element (3), the relationship between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent each, effective July 11, 2012. The issues of service connection for these conditions are also resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination for his left jaw injury claim and an addendum opinion regarding his left testicle pain. An addendum opinion is needed for his right and left foot claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right foot, left foot, and skin disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in forming a new opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot disability, bilateral knee disability, and low back disability due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right foot pes planus, metatarsalgia, hammer toes, and arthritis are granted as secondary to his service-connected open dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint right great toe and fractured based of third metatarsal.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10% since July 1, 2013. A separate 10% rating was granted from January 25, 2019.,Right ankle and left ankle disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher rating under current VA regulations.,The Veteran's right foot disability has been rated at 10% since July 1, 2013. No higher rating is warranted due to lack of evidence of more severe impairment.,The Veteran's left foot disability has also been rated at 10% since July 1, 2013. No higher rating is warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a service-connected lumbar strain with history of herniated disc.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral eye disability including vision loss, and a left foot disability due to potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, arrange for VA examinations, and consider special procedures under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311 if applicable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for peripheral vascular disease, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, diabetes mellitus, and total disability due to individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his military service records.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for right foot pes planus and hallux valgus were denied. The Board found that the earliest effective date possible was January 29, 2015 for pes planus and October 24, 2017 for hallux valgus.,The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for these conditions were filed after a final denial in August 2013. The Board determined that the earliest effective dates based on the date of receipt of the claim to reopen.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus (flatfoot) and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The Board will seek to obtain all relevant medical records, including those from Womack Army Medical Center, and request an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's flatfoot disability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right and left ankle/foot disabilities, as well as left and right knee disabilities, all secondary to a service-connected back disability. The VA needs to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the claim for TDIU due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The case is being remanded for a new medical opinion regarding the rating of plantar fasciitis and pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disability, right foot disability, and rash on the back and shoulders due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and further medical opinions are needed.