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

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has not been established due to lack of audiometric testing meeting VA criteria for impaired hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 30, 2015 for the grant of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left wrist sprain (non-dominant), right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right shin splints with stress fractures was denied. The effective date is set at September 30, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not rated higher than 30 percent.,Prior to March 16, 2018, the Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder was rated at 10 percent; since then, it has been rated at 20 percent. The left shoulder condition remains at 10 percent prior to March 16, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was initially rated as noncompensable but is now rated at 20 percent; his cervical spine condition has been rated at 10 percent since March 16, 2018.,Left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right hip strain with osteoarthritis have both been rated at 10 percent. The left hip strain conditions are each rated at 10 percent prior to March 16, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter for limited flexion.,The Veteran's right hip strain with osteoarthritis has a separate noncompensable evaluation for limitation of flexion.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and assignment of an earlier effective date. The Veteran's claim for service connection is based on direct evidence, not a presumption or reopening due to new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability was aggravated by active service, and if so, whether it is clear and unmistakable that any increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, as the cause of death (cardiac arrest, anemia/bleeding and coagulopathy) is attributed to gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and midfoot degenerative joint disease are granted service connection. Increased ratings of 20 percent for limitation of flexion of the right knee, left knee, extension of the right knee, extension of the left knee, instability of the right knee, and instability of the left knee are granted effective April 20/23, 2010 respectively. A separate rating of 10 percent is assigned for removal of cartilage in both knees. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The cases are now pending and will be rescheduled for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right foot disability, manifested by a plantar wart, is rated at 10 percent from January 10, 2005 to January 20, 2006.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of lumbar spine injury, bilateral leg disability, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability. The claims are all denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bowel condition, cancer of the uterus, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and bilateral pes planus are not supported by the evidence. The appeals have been remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's esophageal reflux disease and status post cholecystectomy have been granted a 10% rating from April 13, 2011. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for his left-hand fracture, service connection for gout, and service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and information.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is also being remanded for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's GERD developed during service and is granted service connection.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,For the lumbar spine disability, a higher rating than 10 percent is not warranted due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis. For left lower extremity sciatica (left lower extremity radiculopathy), a higher rating than 10 percent is also not warranted as there is no moderate, moderately severe, or severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right and left pes planus and hallux valgus are denied service connection. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his claims for right knee disability and dermatophytosis of the toenails, as he withdrew these issues during a hearing. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability and bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), finding no evidence of a nexus to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination and treatment records, requiring a new VA examination to determine if any current left foot disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to musculoskeletal disabilities, including left shoulder disability, cervical spine sprain, thoracolumbar spine strain, and abdominal muscle strain are all denied. The Board finds that VA examinations are required for the remaining claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include left knee, left foot, and psychiatric disabilities.