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

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for recurrent plantar fibroma, left foot, post-operative is denied. The temporary total disability rating based on the need for convalescence following right hand surgery is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the issues on appeal, including for service connection claims related to bilateral foot conditions, bilateral ankle conditions, pseudofolliculitis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a bilateral lung disability prior to the Board's decision. The claims of service connection for psychiatric, bilateral foot, and hip disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and calcaneal tuberosities prior to March 31, 2015 was denied. A separate rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis since February 7, 2021 is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, particularly regarding the Veteran's pes planus condition. The Veteran seeks service connection for this condition which he contends was worsened by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability causes him to need regular aid and attendance, thus granting SMC based on this condition.

The Veteran's service connection for a bilateral foot disability and TDIU from June 1, 2008, to November 9, 2008, and from January 1, 2010, to July 27, 2010, is granted.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a left knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and residuals of a broken nose have been reopened. Service connection is granted for the left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot conditions, as well as his SMC claim due to inadequate examination and remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current low back and bilateral foot disabilities and his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a confusing medical opinion regarding the onset and cause of the Veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability. The examiner needs to provide a clear rationale for their conclusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral foot disability due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Veteran's low back disability is being examined to determine if it is related to his military service, while his bilateral foot disability requires an opinion on whether it was aggravated by service or pre-existed service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and pes planus were denied due to failure to attend VA examinations. The claims for service connection for hammer toe disabilities and plantar fasciitis were also denied as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with IVDS is dismissed. A 50 percent rating, but no more, is granted for migraine headaches. Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus and denied for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a compensable rating for the right foot disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of these disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, but remanded the claims for his spine, left knee, and right foot disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and flat foot, tension headaches, and obesity. The claim for obesity is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including left knee disability, back disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, right ankle disability, hepatitis C, and arthritis. The evidence did not show a nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied service connection claims for fallen arches and right knee condition was granted.,Service connection for skin rash, bilateral flat feet, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee DJD, left knee DJD, right ankle tendonitis, and left ankle tendonitis is also granted.