Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2026

The Board denied service connection for acute sinusitis, gastroenteritis, a plantar wart, plantar fasciitis, and a right shoulder disorder due to the lack of current diagnoses in the medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are rated at 30 percent from February 7, 2021. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for his foot disabilities. Service connection for residuals of dental problems for compensation purposes is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and aggravation of pre-existing pes planus. The decision also granted a TDIU effective January 16, 2022.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various ankle, hip, knee, and foot conditions are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination or medical opinion. The Veteran served as an infantry rifleman and contends his current disabilities are related to this role.

The Board has remanded the cases due to duty-to-assist errors regarding the Veteran's claimed left foot, left shoulder, and right elbow disabilities. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion on whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new one with a proper evaluation of the Veteran's foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing (SAH) or special home adaptation (SHA) grant due to his respiratory disability, which is presumed by the PACT Act. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a permanent and total disability resulting in anatomical loss of use of both hands, burns, or residuals of an inhalational injury.

The Veteran's left foot pain to include plantar fasciitis is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it began during service or is related to service.,Service connection for migraine including migraine variants is granted as there is evidence showing the disability began during service and continues to persist.,Chronic sinusitis is denied as the Veteran's current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis did not begin during service, nor was he exposed to burn pit toxins that would allow for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.,Right foot heel condition is denied due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current disability and service.,PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service stressor or post-service diagnosis meeting DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diverticulitis, type II diabetes mellitus, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, diverticulitis, type II diabetes mellitus, sleep disorder, bilateral pes planus, left ankle/foot tibialis tendinitis, and left foot arthritis of midtarsal joint are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left foot disability, right foot disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and colon cancer residuals due to duty-to-assist errors. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, a neurobehavioral disorder, bilateral pes planus, bilateral hallux rigidus, and the right and left knee disabilities. The evidence does not show any in-service injuries or diseases related to these conditions.

The Veteran's TBI and back disability are granted, but his chest pain/costochondritis, left foot disability, and right foot disability claims are denied. The Board also remanded several issues for further review.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, thoracolumbosacral strain, cervical neck strain, left hip strain, right hip strain, and right knee strain.,The Veteran's keratoconus (also claimed as visual impairment) is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's skin condition and bilateral plantar fasciitis with metatarsalgia have been remanded for further review due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence of a current disability related to active duty service. The claim for chronic bronchitis remains denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, alopecia areata, major depressive disorder, and eustachian tube dysfunction have all been granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral plantar warts has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for arthritis of the left ankle and bilateral plantar fasciitis with left foot degenerative arthritis and heel spur are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for his entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The TDIU was granted effective October 10, 2023, but the Board found that the issue of unemployability had not been previously adjudicated. The DEA benefits were also denied as they became effective on the same date as the TDIU award.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right great toe hallux limitus; bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy; obstructive sleep apnea; cervical degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spinal stenosis, and C4-C7 fusion; left shoulder strain; lumbar degenerative disc disease; right shoulder strain; right knee tendonitis; left knee tendonitis; painful right neck scar; tinnitus; right lower extremity polyneuropathy; and left lower extremity polyneuropathy render him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current plantar fasciitis is related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.