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

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his left foot disability, back disability, right foot disability, arthritis (claimed as bone fractures), and acquired psychiatric disability are not yet determined due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine condition, chest pain/costochondritis, left foot condition, and right foot condition as there is no evidence of a chronic condition related to active service.,Cervical spine condition was remanded due to the need for a cervical spine examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification regarding who is the appellant in this appeal, as well as to obtain authorizations for outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted an increased rating of 30 percent for severe recurrent subluxation, and separate evaluations were granted for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking,' pain, and effusion, limitation of flexion, and limitation of extension. A separate evaluation of 20 percent was also granted for a residual scar status post left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right heel and/or ankle condition due to inadequate opinions in the March 2023 VA examination, as well as the need to obtain private medical records related to his treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right foot deformity other than hammer toes or plantar wart during the period on appeal. The claim for service connection for a right foot deformity is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and GERD, as well as his request for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for GERD. The issues are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and insufficient development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for her bilateral foot disability, hand disability, knee disability, cerebrovascular accident residuals, and costochondritis. The RO is instructed to obtain any relevant medical records and provide a new VA examination for her hypertension.

The Veteran's TDIU due to PTSD alone is granted from June 1, 2015. SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(2) is granted from June 1, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right foot disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for a left foot disability due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for bilateral knee conditions and service connection for bilateral ankle conditions have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition has been remanded due to uncertainty regarding the etiology of his current foot conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 20, 2011 for the award of SMC based on loss of use due to four proximal metatarsal amputation of the left forefoot as his service-connected left foot disability did not result in the loss of use of the left foot prior to that date.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right foot disability was granted, and he is now receiving a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his ability to perform daily activities.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains remanded as new evidence was received but does not establish service connection.

The Veteran's right foot tendinitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet as his preexisting condition was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right foot injuries is being remanded due to the AOJ failing to consider the entire appeal period and issuing a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) that only addressed part of it.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted a 50% rating effective November 10, 2018. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20% rating.