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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 30 percent prior to March 10, 2020 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.,Prior to March 10, 2020, the Veteran's flat feet did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. From March 10, 2020, the evidence showed that bilateral orthopedic shoes or appliances were ineffective in alleviating his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left foot, right foot, and right shoulder disabilities due to a lack of medical records from the Veteran's active duty period. The claims are being reviewed based on the Veteran's statements regarding his in-service symptoms and continuity since service.

The Veteran's death was caused by pneumonia due to or as a consequence of renal failure. The service-connected conditions, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease, and hypertension, substantially contributed to the cause of his death.

The Veteran's right foot disability is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,For the initial appeal period prior to July 21, 2023, the Veteran's depressive disorder is denied due to insufficient impairment. After July 21, 2023, her depressive disorder remains denied but with a remanded issue for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, service connection, and other issues are being remanded due to procedural errors in the legacy system. The Board will issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) on these matters.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left foot disability is denied. The current rating of 20 percent for plantar fasciitis and pes planus is found to be appropriate, as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for flat feet and knee conditions are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for an epigastric hernia and remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a right foot disability, and a left foot disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 25, 2012, finding that it is not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities in the year prior to filing his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that it was aggravated by his active-duty service.

The Board has decided the initial disability rating for sinusitis and remanded the issues of service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis (secondary to left foot plantar fasciitis) and increased rating for left foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral toe disability and bilateral foot disability, finding that obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities is a substantial factor in causing these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new examination to assess the current severity and impact on functioning of his lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy into each lower extremity, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The issues include increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to perform daily activities without assistance due to his multiple conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted service connection, but his right and left shoulder disabilities as well as bilateral plantar fasciitis are denied. The Veteran is assigned a 10% disability rating for his bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to May 8, 2012 for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis as there is no evidence of a claim filed before that date and the final denial in August 2009.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating. His scars of the right foot are rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 10 percent.

The appeal is being remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's pes planus was incurred in service or aggravated by his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's specific phobia, situational tight spaces, is not productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The right thumb arthritis does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury or disease.