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

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hallux valgus, and umbilical hernia. The case is being remanded to address the Veteran's claims for a gastrointestinal disorder (to include gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of the stomach).,Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (to include gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of the stomach) is also being remanded due to the need for an addendum VA examination.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent effective December 13, 2011. A rating in excess of 40 percent for the period prior to December 11, 2019, was dismissed. The Veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy has been granted a 20 percent rating since September 24, 2020. Service connection for bilateral pes planus is denied as it did not occur within one year of service. Chronic sinusitis and right ear hearing loss are presumed to be related to military service. The Veteran's left hip, right hip, left knee, right knee, and left ankle disabilities were all denied. Bronchitis was granted effective August 10, 2022 (PACT Act). TDIU is granted effective November 20, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or any other basis for establishing service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected as it did not begin during active service and there is no evidence of a nexus to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted as the disability was shown as chronic during a presumptive period and is not attributable to intercurrent causes.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not service-connected as he has not had them at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, acid reflux disability, low back disability, left hip disability (secondary to a low back disability), and right hip disability (secondary to a low back disability) is remanded as there are inextricably intertwined issues with pes planus that need further clarification.,Service connection for pes planus is remanded as the examiner must provide an opinion on whether it was worsened beyond its natural progression during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition, left foot disability, and right foot disability has been granted with an effective date of November 30, 1991.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and sinus tarsitis, has been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claims are denied as there is no evidence of aggravation during service or onset in service for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection and initial ratings for sinusitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of private medical records from the Veteran's new primary care provider, L.D.F-B., at Virginia Hospital Center. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for these records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for pes planus and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of VA examinations related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and basal cell carcinoma are remanded due to incomplete medical records. The left knee condition claim is also remanded for a new examination.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his left knee condition is remanded for further clarification on flare-ups and range of motion during such periods.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, spindle cell tumor, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma is remanded for a new opinion from a VA examiner or oncologist to determine if there is a relationship between his condition and military service, including exposure to PACT Act/Agent Orange/Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of spindle cell tumor of left nasal cavity is remanded due to incomplete medical records. The need for additional opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions remains.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an examination to address the right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an examination to address the right hand disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left and right ankle conditions, left knee arthritis, right knee condition, and TBI residuals, have effective dates starting from October 22, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional medical evidence. The Veteran is required to provide information about any private healthcare providers who have treated his psychiatric, sleep apnea, hypertension, left foot, and skin disabilities.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the February 2022 Board remand directives and has therefore ordered further action.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for further development, including those related to the Veteran's feet, hands, cervical spine, shoulders, prostate, and anemia. The claims are being returned due to incomplete or insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for cold weather injury residuals of the hands is denied. The remaining issues have been remanded due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current dental disability for compensation purposes and his left foot disability is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of left wrist ganglion cyst, left and right foot disabilities, bilateral shin splints, bilateral knee strain, and bilateral hip sprain due to lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation by service. The Veteran's other service connection claims are also remanded.