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

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; continuity of symptomatology is not established; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with calluses and degenerative changes in the right foot, as there are missing VA treatment records from the Richmond VAMC.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot and knee disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service or the conceded exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring the Veteran to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral pes planus.

PTSD, a back condition, and flat feet were not granted service connection prior to October 22, 2008.,The Veteran's claims for these conditions were submitted after the one-year period following separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's service-connected left foot disability caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn may have contributed to his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has already addressed the appeal for service connection for bilateral pes planus, right foot hammer toes, left foot hammer toes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction. The appeals are now dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was granted. He now has a 50% disability rating for migraine headaches, bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine disability, right hip limitation of flexion, left hip limitation of flexion, right hip limitation of extension, left hip limitation of adduction, sinusitis, major right shoulder disability, minor left shoulder disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (secondary to lumbar spine disability).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left foot and left ankle disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, CFS, and lumbar spine DDD due to a duty to assist error regarding an emergency room visit in September 2020. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple orthopedic and psychiatric conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective from June 14, 2013.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for all remaining disorders are inadequate and requires a new examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran's service treatment records document an auto accident in June 1980, which may be associated with his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus is related to service.

Service connection for right hip pain is granted.,From July 1, 2020, a restoration of a 50% rating for service-connected pes planus is granted. The effective date for this restoration is July 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition and bilateral foot conditions are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The appeal to reduce the disability rating for pes planus from 50 percent to 10 percent is dismissed because it was filed before a final decision on the reduction.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral flat feet is dismissed.,Service connection for PTSD is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right foot disability, and left foot disability due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding reductions in ratings and claims for additional disability compensation due to a lack of proper Notice of Disagreement (NOD) form.