Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his combined rating of service-connected disabilities has been at least 100 percent throughout the appeal period, and he was not found to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbosacral strain and bilateral foot disability due to potential incomplete service records and inadequate consideration of the appellant's lay statements in previous examinations.

The Board denied service connection for left foot and right foot or ankle disabilities, as well as SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound. The claims were denied due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's right foot disability is granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a manufacturing defect in the hardware used during surgery. Service connection for prostate cancer and right elbow disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and a bilateral foot disorder other than bilateral pes planus due to inadequate examination reports and failure to consider relevant service treatment records.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are denied as the evidence is inconclusive regarding whether they are separate from his service-connected mental health condition. The tension headache condition is granted on a direct basis, while the left foot conditions (bilateral flat feet) and right knee condition are denied due to pre-existing status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for his right great toe disability, left ankle disability, PTSD, Morton's neuroma with pes planus, and TDIU prior to November 15, 2013. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a bad conduct discharge, finding that his entire period of active service is a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right Achilles tendon rupture is granted. The claims for left leg/foot disability, right foot disability other than residuals of right Achilles tendon rupture, right arm disability, and psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding no probative evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left foot disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability and right foot pes planus. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are related to in-service injuries or if there was aggravation during service.

The Board has accepted the Veteran's appeal as to the timeliness of his substantive appeal for TDIU and has determined that he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities. The rating assigned is 90 percent, effective from the date of the February 2016 NOD.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral foot condition, migraine headaches (claimed as sinus headaches), and skin disease are being remanded due to the Veteran failing to appear for scheduled examinations. The cases will be rescheduled for further evaluation.

The Board dismissed all issues of entitlement to increased ratings for various conditions, as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg and foot disabilities, as they are related to exposure to cold weather during his active military service. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings and service connection, including due to the need for clarification regarding flare-ups and the presence of separate foot diagnoses. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee, right foot disability, and hypertension due to incomplete medical opinions and failure to consider lay statements.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 50 percent for headaches has been granted. Other claims have been reopened and are pending further review.