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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes cavus with plantar fasciitis due to a lack of proper examination and the need to address aggravation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the pes planus pre-existed service and was not aggravated by any in-service injury, event or illness.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus with right heel surgery is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding his right knee condition, bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), and low back condition.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. For the period from April 17, 2017 to May 9, 2019, the Veteran was employed full-time and thus TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The claims for left knee effusion and trochanteric bursitis of the left hip are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot disability, headache disability, chest pain disability, and psychiatric disability due to conflicting VA opinions and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in determining the onset of each condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and an initial compensable rating have been remanded due to insufficient examination opinions. The claim for secondary service connection is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left foot plantar fibromatosis was dismissed because the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal in March 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder, bilateral hallux valgus (bunions), painful surgical scars on the feet, pes planus, hammer toes of the feet, and thoracolumbar strain and scoliosis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 1, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral foot conditions, including arthritis and hallux valgus, are rated at 30 percent each. The claim for increased ratings is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, and left ankle/foot disabilities based on the Veteran's reported in-service fall. The Board found that her current conditions are at least as likely as not related to her military service.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet and acquired psychiatric disorder were granted service connection as they were aggravated by service, with the foot condition worsening due to boxing training in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of all his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and granted separate ratings of 10 percent each for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis. The decision on the increased rating claim for plantar fasciitis is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis are denied. The claim for service connection of the bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's left and right foot disabilities are granted with ratings of 10% prior to March 17, 2008, and 20% from March 17, 2008, to June 22, 2017. The appeal for SMC based on need for aid and attendance is remanded.

Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and bilateral flatfoot/pes planus is denied. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded.