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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left hip disability, right hip disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability due to inadequate opinions regarding direct service connection and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) was dismissed as the AOJ had already granted it in a September 2024 rating decision. The claims for flat feet, prediabetes, dehydration, acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, right toe disability, disability associated with painful urination, and erectile dysfunction were denied due to lack of evidence showing their onset during service or being related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various joint disabilities, including neck, bilateral finger, knee, foot, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's claim is based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's GERD, right ankle, and right foot disabilities based on a finding of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the December 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected right wrist, left knee, and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's gastric ulcer with erosive gastroduodenitis is granted an initial 20 percent rating.,Other service connection claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and duty to assist omissions.

The Board has denied service connection for fibromatosis of right plantar fascia and right foot arthritis, but has remanded the claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Veteran withdrew their appeal concerning several service connection issues, including for cervical condition, right lower extremity condition, left lower extremity condition, left ankle condition, left plantar fasciitis, lumbar spine back condition, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, bilateral chronic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, right knee strain, and bilateral pes planus. The remaining claims are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and migraines claims should be remanded for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of right ankle and foot disability, and right leg disability have been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw these issues. The Board also found that a remand is needed for an examination to assess the severity of his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood and anxiety.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for a temporary total disability rating from May 20, 2022 through July 31, 2022 due to convalescence following left toe surgery. The appeals for increased ratings and entitlement to SMC benefits were also granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right foot disorder (plantar fasciitis), and left foot disorder (plantar fasciitis) were not incurred or aggravated by service.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The claim of service connection for a bilateral eye disability is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral foot disabilities and denied his claim for a finding of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right ear hearing loss is dismissed.,Service connection for PTSD with anxiety is denied. The Board notes that the evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds no causal relationship between service and the diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder.,The claims for bilateral foot disability, lumbar spine disability, and lumbar radiculopathy are remanded due to new evidence received in 2023 and potential exposure to toxic chemicals during service.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded. The Veteran's claim for lumbar radiculopathy remains pending.,The claims for bilateral foot disability, lumbar spine disability, and asthma are remanded due to the need for a TERA memorandum and ILER report.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand instructions, requiring additional examination and development of medical records.