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

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and requests an additional VA examination to assess the extent of functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 4, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral shin splints, finding that these conditions began during active service and have continued since.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was denied in a previous rating decision, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that his current disability is related to service-connected plantar fasciitis of the left foot.,The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is found to be secondary to his service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and concerns about the adequacy of previous opinions. The issues include hypertension, back disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities, bilateral pes planus, right great toe disability, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to service, and remanded for further examination and opinion regarding other issues. The remaining claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted a 50 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, with the Board finding that the disability picture more nearly approximates pronounced bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's pes planus and its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine and sciatic nerve radiculopathy conditions are being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs condition is also being remanded for additional development.,Service connection for an eye condition to include glaucoma is being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as there is no medical nexus between the condition and his military service. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is granted with a 30 percent rating prior to February 24, 2017.

The Veteran's right plantar fasciitis was evaluated at 20 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were considered 'moderately severe'.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus, hammer toe, and arthritis, finding that the Veteran's condition did not have an onset in service or manifest within one year of discharge. The Board also determined that the current bilateral foot disability was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 1, 2010 for the award of service connection for right foot plantar warts. The claim was pending due to a Notice of Disagreement filed in August 2011 and not followed by a Statement of the Case (SOC). An initial compensable evaluation is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional evidence or undergo examinations to determine if her disabilities are related to her in-service injuries and conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the Board finds that her tinnitus had its onset during active duty and is presumed related to noise exposure in service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, as she does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for breast cancer is remanded, as the Board finds that an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of her condition has not been provided.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability (pes planus) is remanded, as the Board finds that an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of her condition has not been provided.

The reduction in evaluation from 50 percent to 0 percent for bilateral pes planus, to include plantar fasciitis and bone spurs of the heel was improper. The 50 percent evaluation is restored.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of aggravation of bilateral pes planus and bilateral pes cavus due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which will be reviewed again with a qualified clinician.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for plantar fasciitis and a higher initial evaluation and earlier effective date for pseudofolliculitis barbae as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.