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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, bilateral foot, and left heel bone spur disabilities. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and the need for updated VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been granted increased disability ratings, with a maximum rating of 50% for each condition.

The Board restored the Veteran's previously assigned 50 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral foot disability, effective September 1, 2015.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for other conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right foot disability is secondary to his service-connected left foot metatarsalgia. The examiner must provide an opinion on both causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is granted.,The Veteran's bilateral hip trochanteric bursitis and gout are granted.,The Veteran's right hand disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's left leg scar is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus, right ankle disability, and a right foot disorder due to inconsistencies in VA examination opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board denied his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis, left foot is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition was aggravated by service or caused by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to November 26, 2021. From that date, the Veteran's PTSD/MDD alone qualifies for a grant of TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him disabled to the extent that he required the regular aid and assistance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent effective February 9, 2018. The right hip strain claim has been denied as it did not have onset in service and is not related to the service-connected bilateral feet or knees.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is related to service, caused by a service-connected disability, or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's complete military personnel file, separation examination reports, and any outstanding medical records are required. Further evaluations by VA are needed to address the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to substantially comply with previous remand instructions regarding the Veteran's lay statements and corroborating statements from her sister.

The Board has remanded the case due to discrepancies in the Veteran's service dates and a need for clarification on her bilateral foot condition. A new VA medical opinion is required to determine the nature, etiology, and relationship of her current foot conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.