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

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral flat feet, and insomnia are granted. The Veteran's right knee disability and left knee disability each receive a rating of 10 percent. A higher rating is denied for the Veteran's insomnia since August 11, 2023, and his lumbar spine disability receives an increased rating to 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for flat foot (pes planus), right foot and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran was granted a 60 percent rating for his dyshidrotic eczema and palmoplantar dermatitis effective May 28, 2020. The Board found it factually ascertainable that the condition required near-constant systemic therapy from May 28, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the etiology of these conditions. The AOJ must also consider whether there was aggravation of pre-existing pes planus during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation during the periods from September 15, 2014 to January 6, 2016 and from January 16, 2018 to February 26, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot pes planus and hammertoes, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, an initial rating greater than 60 percent for hyperthyroidism, and entitlement to TDIU prior to July 12, 2017. The AOJ is required to obtain updated VA treatment records and provide a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot conditions, including as secondary to her service-connected bilateral hallux valgus with bony bunion formation and arthritis.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple orthopedic conditions, prevents him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. Effective January 23, 2019, he is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has found that there were errors in the decision-making process and remands the case for proper notice to be provided, as well as a review of the evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine condition is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied her claim for service connection. The gastrointestinal, upper respiratory, knee, hip, and foot disabilities are remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion.

The Veteran's RLE neuropathy is granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's plantar fasciitis with osteoarthritis is denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, bilateral foot, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development, including verification of his duty status during the relevant time period and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia was rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for plantar fasciitis was dismissed because the appeal was not filed in response to a rating decision or within one year of the April 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's left foot plantar neuroma with degenerative arthritis and metatarsalgia is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating under DC 5279 for unilateral metatarsalgia. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted as the symptoms were adequately addressed by the current rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for all issues related to service connection, as the Veteran did not timely file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) or use the proper form for her claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot pes planus should be remanded for a more detailed examination to assess the severity of his condition, including the impact of flare-ups. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined and will be deferred until the left foot pes planus issue is resolved.

The appeal for service connection of a right foot disability has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis was denied.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a gynecological disorder were all denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus resulted in pain on use of her feet, but did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as it was only moderate with no additional functional loss.