Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for an epigastric hernia and remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a right foot disability, and a left foot disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 25, 2012, finding that it is not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities in the year prior to filing his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that it was aggravated by his active-duty service.

The Board has decided the initial disability rating for sinusitis and remanded the issues of service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis (secondary to left foot plantar fasciitis) and increased rating for left foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral toe disability and bilateral foot disability, finding that obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities is a substantial factor in causing these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new examination to assess the current severity and impact on functioning of his lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy into each lower extremity, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The issues include increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to perform daily activities without assistance due to his multiple conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted service connection, but his right and left shoulder disabilities as well as bilateral plantar fasciitis are denied. The Veteran is assigned a 10% disability rating for his bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to May 8, 2012 for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis as there is no evidence of a claim filed before that date and the final denial in August 2009.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating. His scars of the right foot are rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 10 percent.

The appeal is being remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's pes planus was incurred in service or aggravated by his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's specific phobia, situational tight spaces, is not productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The right thumb arthritis does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection claims related to migraines, right knee disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability as secondary to other conditions. The issues were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, with obesity serving as an intermediary step.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding her service connection claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including arthritis, is granted as service-connected. The Board also found that the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral shoulder disabilities are related to his in-service symptoms but not directly connected to service due to aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Service connection for pes planus was granted, while service connection for plantar fasciitis and athlete's foot is denied.

The appeal for service connection of a sleep disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded several other claims, including those for psychiatric disabilities, thyroid conditions, hair loss, and nerve disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his infertility claim. The remaining claims have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed. A TDIU is granted, effective September 19, 2016.