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

The Board has decided to remand the cases of chronic fatigue syndrome, left knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to a failure to inform the appellant of his right to a hearing in conjunction with a Supplemental Claim.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been presented to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for a back condition, left shoulder condition, scars (of the head, face, neck), skin condition of bilateral hands, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The AOJ is directed to consider this new evidence in their subsequent adjudication.

The Board has restored a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's bilateral plantar calcaneal spurs, finding that there was no actual improvement in his condition at the time of the reduction.

The Veteran's left ankle foot orthosis (AFO) is reasonably shown to have caused wear and tear to his clothing in 2023, leading to a grant of an annual VA clothing allowance.,The Veteran's shoe orthotics are not shown to have caused wear and tear to his clothing during 2023. Therefore, the claim for this item was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist and new evidence received. The issues include alcohol use disorder, lumbar spine disability, left and right knee disabilities, and a right eye disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and requests an updated VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral foot condition is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, metatarsalgia of both feet, plantar fasciitis of both feet, and neuropathy of both feet have been granted effective July 14, 2014. The Veteran also received a separate rating for hammertoes of the right foot (10%) and left foot (10%), as well as arthritis of the first MTP joint of the right and left foot (10%).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require additional development due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating and earlier effective date for service connection for bilateral pes planus due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises prior to his death, granting entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status for accrued purposes.

New and relevant evidence has been received, including medical opinions from Dr. D.W. regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder and from Dr. G.S. regarding the bilateral foot disability and hypertension. The AOJ will readjudicate these claims.,The AOJ will also readjudicate the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability based on new evidence submitted by the Claimant.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), and radiculopathy right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), right shoulder condition, and flat feet. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The appeal as to the issues of service connection for tinnitus, low back disorder, stress, migraine headaches, and allergies is dismissed.,Nine new claims are being remanded: GERD, fatigue, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder (including impingement), right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting pes planus with hallux valgus was aggravated by his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.

The appeals for left ankle, right ankle, diabetes mellitus type II, lumbosacral strain, osteoarthritis post-traumatic as secondary to gout, and right ear hearing loss disabilities have been dismissed.,New and relevant evidence has been presented or secured regarding the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral foot disability. These appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his inguinal hernia was withdrawn.,An increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD, and ratings of 10 percent each for eyebrow/forehead scarring and prostatitis were granted. The right foot disability received a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for plantar fasciitis and gallbladder disability status post cholecystectomy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during her active duty and have continued since.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right foot disability was aggravated by his service, and thus grants service connection for a right foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was received since the September 2018 rating decision. The claims are being remanded to allow for further consideration.

The Board has remanded multiple claims for service connection due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including for conditions such as cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, irritable bowel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sinus condition, psoriatic arthritis, anemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).