Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for acid reflux and remanded the claims for a right ankle disability, lower back disability, radiculopathy, hip disabilities, and pes planus due to insufficient evidence.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disorders, including a left elbow disorder, spine disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied because she did not have an employment handicap and was able to obtain suitable employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The Board granted a separate evaluation of 20 percent for plantar fasciitis of the right foot associated with a shrapnel wound, denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a right foot shrapnel wound based on paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve, and denied a compensable evaluation from June 4, 2019 for a right foot shrapnel wound scar.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various foot conditions due to inadequate medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for his psychiatric disability and right foot disability, as well as an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood is granted a rating of 50 percent, while his bilateral hearing loss is denied a compensable rating.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral pes planus to obtain relevant private medical records and provide the Veteran with an examination.

The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including sleep apnea/sleep disordered breathing (SDB), erectile dysfunction, inflammatory enthesopathy as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, and various musculoskeletal conditions affecting the Veteran's hips, knees, hands, shoulders, and feet.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's left ankle disability and remanded claims for service connection of plantar fasciitis and knee disability secondary to his service-connected left ankle.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and granted service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar strain, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and a higher initial disability rating, as well as the claim for special home adaptation.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and remanded claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left lower nerve pain, right lower nerve pain, bilateral pes planus, and tinnitus.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including whether his pre-existing pes planus was aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no current disability of hearing loss. The claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition, a bilateral foot condition (hallux rigidus), and bilateral plantar fasciitis were remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis prior to September 11, 2023. Other claims were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for flatfoot (pes planus) and hammer toes, right foot, as secondary to hallux valgus status post bunionectomy.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and an increased rating, finding that February 7, 2023 was the earliest date a valid claim was received.

The Veteran's GERD is granted a 30 percent evaluation, but no higher. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, nor was he permanently housebound due to his service-connected conditions.