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

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected thoracolumbar spine strain is granted, subject to the rules and regulations governing the payment of VA monetary benefits. The claims for service connection for various conditions are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability resulting from an injury or disease during active duty. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral foot disability, but remanded for further development and examination. The claims of service connection for hypertension and psychiatric disability are also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting additional examinations. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (PTSD), lumbar spine disability, renal calculi, right foot disability, left forefoot and ankle disability, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all at issue.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits, finding that the Veteran did not have a total disability that was permanent in nature prior to the grant of TDIU on April 14, 2016.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left foot disability may be related to his service-connected right knee disability, but needs further clarification on whether this aggravates the left foot condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the highest permissible level (10%). The Board has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, rating, and compensation for his lumbar spine disability, pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on December 13, 2017 are denied because the treatment was not rendered in an emergency situation where delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and bilateral foot disabilities as they are not related to her in-service injuries or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral pes planus disability (claimed as flat foot) is denied because there is no evidence showing an in-service event, disease or injury that would indicate a link between the Veteran’s medical condition and his active service. The VA examiner found that the current bilateral pes planus disability is less likely than not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, left foot disability, right foot disability, low back disability, and tinnitus as the evidence did not show a nexus to service or any applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot disability, a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran's service records indicate possible exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for further development and examination, including those related to respiratory, prostate, kidney, psychiatric, TBI, foot, skin, headache, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The Veteran is also asked to provide more information regarding his claimed stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his bilateral foot disability. The Board finds that a VA examination and medical opinion are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current foot disabilities, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to inadequate examination opinions and lack of medical records.

The Veteran's left foot condition, including corns and calluses, is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for pes planus with hallux valgus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet and a psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide new and material evidence or undergo further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has not been evaluated since October 2011, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for back, left knee, and right knee braces in 2018 were denied as the braces are not used for service-connected disabilities.