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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, posterior tibial dysfunction of the left foot, right ankle injury, and left ankle injury are all found to be related to his active military service.,Reasoning: The Board determined that resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, his disabilities are at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and left ankle strain are found to have caused his right knee arthritis.,VA is remanding the claims for service connection for a left foot disability, PTSD, and headaches.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he and his representative have withdrawn the appeals for service connection for dry eye syndrome, isolated hypertension, a left foot disability, and a right foot disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 50 percent from February 19, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, migraine headaches, tachycardia with chest pain, left heel disability, right foot disability, vertigo, TBI, and hiatal hernia, render her incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The claims for other musculoskeletal disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus was granted, and a maximum 50% rating is assigned effective February 19, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for updated treatment records. The issues include bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, a bilateral hand neurological condition, sinusitis, and a skin condition.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, right ear hearing loss, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability are granted. The claims for hypertension and coronary artery disease are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for seborrheic dermatitis, service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, respiratory disorders (bronchitis and COPD), and bilateral foot disabilities (pes planus) are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits of several disabilities is being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records. The AOJ must obtain all relevant medical records, including those stored in the Vista Imaging system.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, plantar fasciitis, and sleep apnea due to in-service stressors and other related conditions. The Veteran's mental health condition is being evaluated again as part of this process.

The Board has found that additional relevant evidence has been added to the claims file and has remanded the case for readjudication by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus is remanded due to the failure to afford a VA examination, which was necessary given his claim of worsening symptoms.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding evaluations in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, 10 percent for bilateral knee strain, 20 percent for bilateral shoulder strain, 10 percent for bilateral wrist strain, and 10 percent for bilateral hip strain. The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran not timely filing a VA Form 10182.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not previously considered and requests its review before making a final decision on the appeal. The Veteran is given an opportunity to respond.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral pes planus due to additional procedural development being required.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, hammer toes, and hallux valgus as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-the-line duty injuries due to wearing steel-toe boots during her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service, and remanded for further development regarding his claims of migraines and a disability manifested by dizziness. The issues are now pending for further review.