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

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. Service connection for allergic rhinitis, residuals of a crush injury to the right hand, cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are all granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied the remaining issues. The appellant's tinnitus is rated at its maximum schedular rating, and his hypertension is considered presumptively related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the dates of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, as well as a need for a VA examination to determine if the appellant's current bilateral plantar fasciitis is caused by or aggravated by an injury during ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA while in the United States Naval Reserves. The low back disability claim is also remanded due to its inextricable intertwining with the service connection for a bilateral foot disability.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the September 2021 remand directives and finds another remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, tinnitus, and right foot disability are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The low back and shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination.