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

The Board denied service connection for all claimed hip, foot, and low back disorders as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for scar, status post spinal fusion, was dismissed. The claim of residuals of head trauma (claimed as dental trauma) has been reopened and is currently under consideration. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroenteritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), respiratory disorder (recurrent aspiration pneumonia), cardiac disorder (atherosclerosis), acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of head trauma, facial scars, bilateral eye disorder, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, bilateral elbow disorder (tendinitis), bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral pes planus have been remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, neck disability, and foot disability. The VA is directed to obtain medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet and right and left calf strains have been remanded for further development due to the need for additional evidence or clarification of his claims.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and cardiac disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service exposures.,The Veteran's left foot disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, and mood swings) were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new and material evidence being added to the record, but a supplemental statement of the case has not been issued. The claims will be readjudicated after considering this new evidence.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted a 100% disability rating from March 4, 2015 to December 14, 2022. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher than 30% disability rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left foot disability due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's pre-existing condition was permanently aggravated by an in-service injury, thus meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient development and lack of medical opinions for the Veteran's cardiovascular, urinary, and bilateral foot disabilities. The AOJ must obtain VA examinations and medical opinions to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral foot deformity, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence associated with his case.

The previously denied claims of service connection for left and right ankle disabilities are reopened.,Presumptive service connection for coronary artery disease is granted, based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's facial skin condition is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was previously granted TDIU based on multiple service-connected disabilities prior to May 15, 2015, but the claim for TDIU after that date is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent.,The Veteran's endometriosis does not warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's Morton's neuroma is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's stage 3 kidney disease is remanded to determine its relationship to her prescribed medication.

The Veteran's claim for a staged rating for bilateral flatfoot higher than 30 percent prior to October 7, 2022, and higher than 50 percent thereafter is denied. The Veteran was previously assigned a 30 percent rating for his flat feet, which has now been increased to a 50 percent rating effective October 7, 2022.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including left foot pain, back disability, hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and neurobehavioral effects related to chemical exposure. The claims for insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, migraines, right knee condition, left knee condition, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder, and alcohol abuse are remanded due to the need for further examination and evidence collection.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, migraine headaches, and right knee strain have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that caused or aggravated these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities (other than pes planus).

The Board has found that additional development is needed and the case must be remanded for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, a right foot disability, and asthma due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors.