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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility prior to July 26, 2022 are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and right and left fibula stress fractures are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury and carpal tunnel in right wrist are granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral foot condition to include plantar fascitis is remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection for his right foot, left foot, right wrist/hand, and left wrist/hand disabilities. The claims are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and causation of the Veteran's bilateral flat feet and plantar fasciitis disabilities. The Veteran is asked to provide additional medical records, including from a private podiatrist named Mark Barinque.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, and bilateral foot disability due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, and right foot disabilities. The issues include direct service connection as well as secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right-hand condition and pes planus, finding that there was no current disability related to these conditions and that any pre-existing pes planus did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis, and bilateral pes planus have been granted. The claim for glaucoma is remanded due to lack of definitive evidence.,Service connection has been established for bilateral plantar fasciitis as it is considered secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded multiple issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, and foot disabilities. The Veteran's STRs are unavailable, which may affect the adjudication of these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, and hallux valgus is now rated at 50 percent effective November 17, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, as well as whether his right hip disability is related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. Additional development is required due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and panic/anxiety disorder), a low back disability, a left knee disability, a left shoulder/arm disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 50% evaluation for bilateral pes planus beginning from March 20, 2017. The Veteran's disability picture since that date more nearly approximates the criteria for a 50% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to obtain all necessary medical records. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus is being reviewed for aggravation during service, while right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being evaluated for direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's left knee strain status post-surgery, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral pes planus, right Achilles' tendonitis, and sleep apnea have been granted service connection. The cervical spine disability has not been established as related to active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left foot, left knee, and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.