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

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, PTSD, cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, right shoulder strain, and IBS prior to November 10, 2021 are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left hand cold weather injury residuals, as well as for the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities due to cold weather. The ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran seeks a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with history of achilles tendonitis, which the Board has remanded due to insufficient evidence from the most recent VA examination. A new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee sprain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee and bilateral foot disabilities, finding that his current right knee disability was aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to establish service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, including verifying periods of INACDUTRA and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the right foot condition. The Veteran's lay statements about in-service training duties are considered.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to the service-connected right hip disability. The case of a compensable rating for the right hip disability, and service connection for LLE radiculopathy and left foot plantar fasciitis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for histoplasmosis and flat feet / fallen arches due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for further development and evidence collection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot plantar fasciitis and central disc protrusion, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the period from November 1, 2020 to April 25, 2021. The Board granted a TDIU during this period. However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right foot plantar fasciitis is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, PTSD, low back disability, right and left ankle conditions, pes planus, tinnitus, IBS, and tendonitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since his separation from active duty in May 2016. The Board has granted TDIU effective May 15, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was granted in a June 2023 rating decision, thus the appeal is dismissed.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the current disability to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, finding that the preexisting condition was aggravated by service.,Service connection for chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine arthritis) is also granted based on continuity of symptoms since service separation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his inability to report for VA examinations and failure to provide prison medical records. The Veteran is required to submit or authorize VA to obtain these records, and he must be scheduled for VA examinations regarding his bilateral shoulder, foot, back, hearing loss, and gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service-connected. The issues of compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral flat feet are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral pes planus and chronic sinusitis. The TDIU and SMC issues are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for verification of duty status. The claims will be reviewed again with new examinations.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obesity, OSA, DM, hypertension, and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to new and material evidence. The appeals are granted.