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

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for the claims of service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, a bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), and a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected ureterolithiasis. The Veteran's lay statements regarding symptoms in service and after have not been considered, and additional private treatment records are needed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a gallbladder condition was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal at a Board hearing. The appeals for low back degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, right foot disability, and stomach and/or pancreas condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation during service. The Veteran's representative requested additional development regarding his foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her bilateral plantar calluses of the right and left foot is denied.,The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for hip condition secondary to service connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new addendum opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was present in service or pre-existed his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it may impact the rating decision.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and undifferentiated connective tissue disease are granted as service-connected. The left foot disability, right wrist disability, and arthralgia/myalgia disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's genital warts and plantar warts are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if they warrant a higher rating. Additionally, the Veteran is seeking TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The other claims, including those related to left and right lower extremity neuropathy, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a fractured coccyx and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than OCD. The low back disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and right hip disability claims are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking them to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for plantar fasciitis and TDIU prior to May 17, 2018 due to unclear evidence regarding when the Veteran's symptoms began.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and bilateral plantar fasciitis, as well as his claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and OSA. The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim to reopen the issue of service connection for OSA was granted based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation in the prior decision regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and its relationship to his service-connected conditions, as well as the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and first MP joint bunion, chronic left hip strain, chronic right hip strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral foot gout. The remand includes obtaining additional medical records and opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board dismissed the appeals on all issues related to service connection for various foot and respiratory conditions due to the appellant's death.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left foot disability, effective September 27, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral foot disability, back disability, left knee disability, upper thigh disability, skin disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The reduction of the bilateral plantar fasciitis rating from 30% to 10% is restored.