Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the criteria for entitlement to this benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected right foot disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pinched nerves are considered incurred in service, while her current wrist condition is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability, which led to a total ankle replacement, is service-connected. The issue of entitlement to service connection for any right foot disability, including as secondary to his right ankle disability, will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg, ankle, back, and foot disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the appeal is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus contributed to his death and determining if the appellant meets the requirements for an increased rate of pension under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1541(d) based on her need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and examination, particularly regarding peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Veteran's initial service-connected left and right foot disabilities have been granted, with a 10 percent rating for each. The RO has also granted temporary 100 percent ratings due to post-surgery convalescence.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's current vision problems are secondary to his service-connected plantar fasciitis and other conditions, including any medications used for treatment.

The case is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including peripheral neuropathy. The RO/AMC will arrange for an examination by a VA examiner and a neurologist.

The appeal is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a hearing before a member of the Board sitting at the RO or via live videoconference.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lost claims file, and additional records are needed from private providers and VA facilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder on the basis that it is proximately due to or the result of service-connected bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to be at least as likely as not etiologically related to his lumbar spine strain.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a right knee disorder and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's complaints of knee pain during active duty, as well as post-service treatment records, support these findings.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of his claim, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis is manifested by tenderness upon palpation and occasional swelling, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the findings of the May 2010 VA examiner and to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide a new hepatitis C questionnaire, schedule VA examinations for his neck, back and feet conditions, and readjudicate the claims.