Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, lumbar degenerative disc disease/arthritis, major depression, lumbar radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis (left foot), and right shoulder osteoarthritis. As a result, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability, tinnitus, and ankle disabilities have resulted in total occupational impairment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70% for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The remaining issues of right foot plantar fasciitis, pes cavus, and hallux valgus are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for BPP prior to February 12, 2010 was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a compensable initial rating. For the period from February 12, 2010 to September 11, 2013 and after May 2, 2016, a 30 percent rating was granted for BPP. The claim for an increased rating for right lower extremity sciatica with weakness of the right calf muscle group XI prior to May 19, 2014 was denied.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims and an increased rating claim for left knee arthritis, as well as a TDIU claim due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot disability, right foot disability, and psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral elbow tendinitis, entrapment neuropathy of ulnar nerve, lateral epicondylitis, and medial epicondylitis are granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis with hallux rigidus of the left big toe are also granted as service connected.

An evaluation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted at a 50 percent rating. Service connection for Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus is remanded.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for a back disability and right third toe injury, but has remanded the issues of service connection for a right foot disability (gout) and a back disability.

The Board has determined that new VA medical examinations are required for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of increased ratings for these conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, with painful foot motion, is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show more than mild to moderate flatfoot.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for her service-connected bilateral shin splints and service connection for a bilateral foot disability are remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened, and he is now granted secondary service connection for a right shoulder disability due to his cervical spine disability. The rating for ocular rosacea with chronic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome remains at 10 percent. A separate rating of 20 percent is granted for bilateral lacrimal duct disorder. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and ankle pain are rated at 50 percent since January 23, 2015. The case is remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected foot conditions and for consideration of TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and causation of the Veteran's flat feet condition, specifically whether it is related to service. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination to determine the current nature and probable etiology of his flat feet.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the issues of service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the hands, right hip, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, kidney cysts, left breast cyst (cyst), ovarian cysts, and liver cyst, hemangioma. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule her for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for tinnitus, but has remanded his claim for bilateral flat feet due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, left ankle disability, and left foot disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Service connection for TBI is denied. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient medical opinions and missing records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA medical records and workers' compensation records, as these may be relevant to the foot claim.