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

The Veteran's appeal is denied for increased ratings and restoration of a rating. The left knee extension issue was not pursued, the right ankle disability issues were resolved, and the cold urticaria issue had its reduction restored.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, plantar fasciitis, migraines, and esophagus disability were denied service connection as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Specifically, the VA examiner found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was less likely caused by TERA exposure. The examiner noted anatomic risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea such as obesity, a short neck, and postmenopausal status.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending higher-level review of severance of service connection for right foot pes planus, which may affect the earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's foot disabilities are rated based on bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hallux valgus, and left foot hammer toes. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by credible testimony and medical opinions linking his conditions to his military service.,Regarding erectile dysfunction, the Board found that it is at least as likely as not secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle tibial fracture are not warranted. The claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, flat feet of the left foot, and flat feet of the right foot due to a duty-to-assist error in the initial decision. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, thus rebutting the presumption of soundness. The Board also found no evidence to support aggravation of the condition during service, leading to a denial of service connection.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinions are inadequate, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for GERD, pes planus, and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been remanded due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding its relationship to the Veteran's in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Veteran's keratoconus is granted service connection due to in-service exposure to sand and dust. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeals for various service connection claims have been dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various musculoskeletal conditions have been granted, with a specific rating of 40 percent for the right upper extremity weakness resulting from stroke.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with left pes planovalgus was denied as the earliest possible effective date has already been granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is denied because the evidence does not show that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities have been granted as cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities.,A 50 percent rating has been granted for her tension headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the A&A rate was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not result in a need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial request for a higher rating for his painful scar right foot was denied, but he received an increased rating of 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis from October 21, 2019.,From October 21, 2019, the Veteran is granted a 30 percent initial rating for service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, status post right fasciotomy.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle condition, right and left hip conditions, right and left knee conditions, and bilateral pes planus (secondary to a right ankle condition). Service connection was granted for right ear hearing loss.,There is no evidence of any diagnosed left ankle or left hip condition. The Veteran's right hip and right and left knee conditions were not incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability in some cases and the need for further medical evaluation in others.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in his right ear. The issues of service connection for pes planus, razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae), and sleep apnea have been remanded due to incomplete records.