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

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral foot disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he had tried both non-surgical and surgical treatment with no relief in either or both feet.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral plantar heel spurs with plantar fasciitis was granted at a 30 percent effective from August 30, 2019. A compensable rating of 10 percent was denied prior to that date.

The Veteran's current headache disability began in, and has continued since, active service.,The Veteran's TBI is related to an injury during active service. The Board finds that the September 2020 opinion is inadequate with respect to the question of nexus because the examiner did not address how the Veteran had a resolved TBI and residual symptoms but no diagnosis.,The pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated beyond its natural progression during service, and clear and unmistakable evidence was not shown that the increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error where the Veteran's treatment records from a podiatrist were not obtained. The case will be returned for further action.

Service connection is granted for IBS and an undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic fatigue and memory loss.,Service connection is denied for a bilateral ankle disability and a bilateral foot disability except for left foot hallux valgus.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The appeal seeking an increase in the rating for left foot plantar fasciitis was dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's pes planus with plantar fasciitis rating was reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent effective November 9, 2022. The Board has restored the 50 percent rating based on evidence showing no improvement in ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral pes planus and left foot plantar fasciitis are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left knee strain, and bilateral pes planus due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The AOJ is required to obtain additional medical evidence addressing these issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a foot disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are not granted. The decision is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the April 2022 VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, tension headaches, insomnia disorder, right thumb strain, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus. The Veteran's left eye pterygium was assigned a noncompensable evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including degenerative joint disease with low back strain, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur and hallux valgus of the left foot, required regular aid and attendance. SMC based on need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's 50% disability rating for bilateral foot disability was restored effective July 1, 2020. The reduction from 50% to 10% in April 2020 was found improper due to lack of material improvement.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, sinus disability, left ankle disability, and sleep apnea. The left foot disability is also granted as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability.,Service connection was established based on direct evidence of a present disability and credible lay statements regarding in-service events.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities and shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Service connection claims for right ankle, foot, and knee disabilities are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain. Service connection for bilateral pes planus is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and consideration of other theories of entitlement.

The Board dismissed the appeal for entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for plantar fasciitis as the appellant requested withdrawal prior to a decision.

The Board dismissed the appeals for right lower extremity shin splints, left lower extremity shin splints, and bilateral foot flat foot disability as the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.