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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient for SMC based on need for regular A&A. The VA is instructed to schedule a VA SMC A&A/Housebound examination to determine if the Veteran requires assistance with ADLs.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and earlier effective date for her right foot disability and right knee scar disability are denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already in receipt of the maximum schedular ratings available under Diagnostic Code 5281, which pertains to hallux rigidus.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of sleep apnea due to withdrawal. The remaining issues have been remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of several service-connected conditions, including recurrent leg and sleep disabilities. The Board also notes that the combined rating for all service-connected disabilities has not yet reached a level sufficient to warrant a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right foot disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for sinus disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and knee disabilities. The Board also directed further VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and foot conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability and left knee disability are granted as service connected. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's disabilities had their onset during service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis, was aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left foot disability is secondary to his service-connected right foot and ankle disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent since December 23, 2019. The earlier effective date of May 1, 2015 for the 30 percent rating assigned for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been granted.,The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities are each currently rated at 20 percent since the appeal period began on May 1, 2015. The initial ratings in excess of these percentages have not been met.

The Veteran is granted educational assistance at the 100 percent rate due to over 30 continuous days of honorable qualifying active duty service after September 10, 2001 and discharge due to a service-connected disability.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated beyond its normal progression during his active military service.

The Board has remanded both issues of service connection for a right foot disorder and a low back disorder due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's current conditions are developmental defects or diseases, and if they are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and total disability due to individual unemployability. The remaining claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, cervical spine disability, petit mal seizures, TBI, right ankle and knee disabilities, OSA, and an acquired psychiatric disability, are remanded as additional medical examinations or opinions are needed.

The Board granted service connection for a right foot disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran incurred this disability during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and is more likely due to aging.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development to determine his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA service in the Army Reserve. The AOJ must obtain pay stubs from DFAS to confirm these dates.

The Board denied service connection for skin, bilateral foot, eye, and kidney disabilities other than nephropathy. The claims were not granted as the evidence did not support a direct relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot arthritis and depression, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 21, 2021. The Board has remanded the case for further consideration.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the disability was aggravated during active military service.