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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis have been granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the period from December 1, 2010 to February 23, 2021. A higher rating is denied for the period after February 23, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, onychomycosis, migraine headaches, and corneal opacity in both eyes, have caused him to be unemployable since June 3, 2019. The Board has granted a TDIU effective June 3, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted, and he is now entitled to a grant of service connection. The appeal regarding the higher disability ratings for bilateral pes planus, pulmonary and cutaneous sarcoidosis, degenerative joint disease left knee with meniscal tear, and degenerative joint disease right knee with meniscal tear has been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar disability, but has remanded the issues of ratings for shin splints and pes planus, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on asthma, headaches, right quadricep tear, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on anxiety disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, lumbar facet arthropathy, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a jaw disability and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left foot scar status post arthrodesis has been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for bilateral pes planus has been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg hamstring disability has been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, but dismissed all other claims of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral ankle disability due to outstanding in-service medical records not obtained.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, low back condition, bilateral flat feet, and ocular hypertension. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand is remanded.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle sprain and right foot disability due to lack of VA examinations and medical opinions addressing etiology. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was reopened, and he is now granted service connection. His claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction was denied.

The claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability, left knee disability, and TBI have been reopened. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to additional information received after a previous medical opinion. The AOJ is required to arrange for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee condition and other conditions, contributed to his obesity and thus aggravated his OSA.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for mast cell activation syndrome, bilateral foot disability, lumbar spine disability, right elbow and shoulder disabilities, scars, gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, and hemorrhoids. The decision also includes a request for additional evidence from VA and private sources.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee and lumbar spine conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 20, 2012. The Board granted the TDIU claim effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral flat feet and hand/finger disability due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran contends his pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service, while VA records suggest other causes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for VR&E benefits as he is currently employed and has overcome any employment handicap.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for a right foot disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased initial ratings for right and left foot plantar fasciitis, sinusitis, and pseudofolliculitis before the Board could make a decision.