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

The Board has determined that additional evidence must be reviewed by the AOJ before a final decision can be made on the claims. The Veteran's service connection requests for various conditions are being remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to additional relevant evidence being added to the record.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the condition is not related to active service or service-connected conditions. The bilateral foot disability claim was remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for issues related to surgical scars post bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy and service connection for a left arm condition. The remaining claims of entitlement to increased ratings for shoulder disabilities, inguinal hernia, pes planus, and leg conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain a VA addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pes planus, which existed prior to service, was aggravated during his active military service. The examiner must address specific service treatment records and provide an opinion on the severity of the condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and right foot plantar fasciitis due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, which was noted at entry to service and worsened during active duty, is service connected based on aggravation of a preexisting disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding increased ratings for painful residual scar, right foot and right foot pes planus as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus worsened during service and is therefore entitled to service connection based on aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's right foot disability needs further evaluation.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability has been granted. Service connection is also granted for tinnitus, but the claims for hearing loss, headache disability, COPD, eye disability, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, skin disability, stomach disability, arthritis, bilateral foot disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran did not have anatomical loss or use of both feet, nor was he blind in both eyes, permanently bedridden, or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, allergic rhinitis, and lower back disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for right ankle, left ankle, skin condition of the feet (corns), and bilateral foot condition (flat feet).

The Board has found that the Veteran's service records are incomplete and has ordered VA to obtain his treatment records from 1952 onwards. The claims for service connection remain pending as a result of this remand.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for neck scars, bilateral metatarsalgia with hallux valgus, bilateral pes planus with callus formation, and migraine headaches have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his cardiac condition, hypertension, pes planus, and left ankle condition. The claims will be reviewed after additional examinations are conducted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional evidence being added to his file and missing Social Security Administration records. The Veteran is also required to provide a medical opinion regarding his Amyloidosis disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's lay statements about her pes planus during service.