The Board has remanded the case due to the need for new medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's foot disorders, including bilateral pes planus, metatarsalgia, hammertoes, hallux valgus, and acquired pes cavus. The issues include entitlement to a compensable rating for right foot plantar fasciitis with right calcaneus arthralgia and service connection for a bilateral foot disorder secondary to the aforementioned conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that new medical opinions are necessary as the January 2016 medical opinion did not address the aggravation prong of service connection, and the December 2019 VA examiner only provided an opinion regarding left foot disorders. The July 2021 medical opinion from a nurse also needs clarification due to inconsistencies in her explanations.
- Claimed conditions
- right foot plantar fasciitis, right calcaneus arthralgia, bilateral flat feet, metatarsalgia, hammertoes, hallux valgus, pes cavus
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23012816
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23012816.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for increased rating and service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is moot.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for various conditions including hypoglycemia, sinusitis, left foot pes planus, right foot pes planus, right foot plantar fasciitis, left ankle pain, left hip osteoarthritis, left knee sprain, bradycardia, dry eye, hernia, hypercholesterolemia, and bilateral hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hallux valgus, finding no competent and credible evidence linking her current condition to active service.
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