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

The Board found that the combined disability rating of 40 percent from March 29, 2012, through February 21, 2021, was properly calculated. The increase in rating for the right foot disability did not result in additional compensation from March 29, 2012, through February 21, 2021, and backpay is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service or if it is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to February 3, 2020 due to insufficient evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred or aggravated by service, as it pre-existed his period of active duty and did not worsen during service.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral cataracts to his time in service. The condition developed after separation from service.

The Veteran's left and right foot pes planus disabilities are found to be aggravated by service, warranting service connection. The bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition and bilateral pes planus due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disorder, including plantar fasciitis. The case is being returned to obtain missing service records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current foot disorders are related to his military service or specifically to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board granted a disability rating of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus prior to December 21, 2018 and denied any rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and a foot disorder, including calcaneal spurs of each foot. The Veteran's appeal is based on the VA's failure to seek named records from non-VA treatment providers in the 1990s and the reliance on an inadequate examination.

The Veteran was granted clothing allowances for a left wrist brace and right foot brace in 2014, but the claim for a right knee brace was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for liver disability and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran will need additional examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraines, and physical impairments of the right shoulder, knees, back, and eyes, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 2, 2015.

The Veteran's trixaicin cream was not used in conjunction with a service-connected skin disability, thus the clothing allowance claim for 2016 is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and related conditions are granted. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during service, which supports his claims for these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence received.,No effective date is assigned as the Veteran's claim was granted on February 6, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of an insect bite, gastrointestinal disability characterized by abdominal pains, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, respiratory disability, right ankle disability, bilateral foot disability, and increased rating for chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis of the right knee have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest schedular rating (50%) and no higher, as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection is granted for right foot disabilities including pes planus and hallux valgus. The Board finds that these conditions were aggravated by service but did not pre-exist it.,The Veteran's heart disability is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during active duty or service-connected events, nor is there any link to a disease or injury incurred in service.,Service connection for GERD is granted. The Veteran's condition had its onset during ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's hepatitis B is rated at 40 percent, and his left foot disability is granted service connection. The head injury residuals are denied, as well as the low back, neck, and bilateral hip disabilities. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left foot degenerative arthritis, and hallux valgus due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.