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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ankle, right foot, and low back disabilities due to new evidence received after the last Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOCs).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, hallux limitus, plantar spurs, degenerative joint disease, and metatarsal cuneiform exostosis, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of aggravation of pre-existing pes planus during service and no other relationship between current foot disabilities and service. For TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to May 22, 2017, the Veteran's claim was denied as there was insufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus with subjective right and left foot pain, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a more severe disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and a bilateral foot disability, as well as the claim for TDIU prior to June 3, 2015. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as he failed to attend VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of objective evidence of marked deformity or swelling.,Service connection for OSA was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied compensation for a right foot disability, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by VA medical care provided in August 1990.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including a functional assessment of his service-connected disabilities and review of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted service connection as it first manifested during active service and was incurred in service. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has not been found to have increased in severity due to service.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, diagnosed as pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and hallux valgus, was found to be aggravated by his military service. For the entire appeal period, a rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current foot disabilities and his service, including a shrapnel wound.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a broken nose (claimed as deviated septum) has been denied.,Service connection claims for left foot and right foot disabilities have also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an examination and medical opinion regarding the nature of any current right foot disability and its relationship to service or service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left foot disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, back condition, and bilateral knee conditions due to his claimed foot disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on their onset during or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his left foot scar has also been denied.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was dismissed as the Veteran did not submit new and material evidence within one year of the November 2013 rating decision.,The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine has been reopened. The Board found that new and material evidence has been received, including VA and private treatment records, lay statements, and August 2022 hearing testimony.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete correspondence and the need for a retrospective employment impact assessment.