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

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete development and need for additional opinions. The main issues are related to eye disabilities, diabetes, hypertension, knee disabilities, and a neck disability.

The Board has determined that an additional VA examination and opinion are needed to address the Veteran's claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis, which is currently being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and left foot hallux valgus, as well as issues related to service connection for these conditions. Additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a neck disability and bilateral pes planus due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran's hearing testimony was not adequately addressed, and his self-treatment of foot pain in service is not considered.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus have been rated at the maximum schedular ratings, with no higher rating available. The claim for increased hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anxiety was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The claims for left and right foot pes planus were reopened based on new evidence received since the last denial in January 2009.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, active sarcoidosis, and right foot disability. The claims are being remanded for further development regarding hypertension and right hip disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a bilateral heel condition (pes planus) is granted. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted, but the case is remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current foot disability.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus have been granted service connection. The disability ratings for bilateral pes planus are increased to greater than 10 percent prior to March 12, 1998, greater than 30 percent from March 12, 1998 to January 30, 2019, and greater than 50 percent beginning January 31, 2019. The disability ratings for right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus are both granted at a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his right foot status post neuroma excision with residual scar, metatarsalgia, and claw foot (pes cavus) has been granted at a 20 percent level.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service symptoms. Service connection was also granted for major depressive disorder with somatic symptom disorder.,Service connection for a back disability is granted as it is found to be secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee retropatellar pain syndrome and a compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus has been granted, as new and material evidence was received since the December 2007 denial.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spondylosis has been granted, with a finding that her disability began during active service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity have been granted, based on evidence showing a relationship to her cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension, heart condition, bilateral foot condition, and visual impairment are all remanded for further development to determine their relationship to service.,Specifically, the claims will be evaluated based on whether these conditions had their onset during active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea was granted. The appeal to reopen the claim for right foot disability and tinnitus were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and right foot disability, including as secondary to a low back disability due to issues with the qualifications of an August 2016 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence added to her case file after the November 2021 Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service. The claim for a right knee disability is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing potential secondary service connection.