Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis is manifested by symptoms that more nearly approximate moderate disability, warranting a 10 percent initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and foot disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders were not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right foot disabilities, alleging that VA hospital care or medical treatment resulted in additional disability. The claim has been remanded to obtain updated VA records and SSA records, and to provide a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current right foot disabilities are related to his prior VA surgeries.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The rating assigned is 100%.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any foot disability found to be present. The Veteran's service connection claim for his bilateral foot disabilities will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective July 9, 2012. The Veteran also received a separate 10 percent disability rating for lateral instability of the right knee and a 10 percent disability rating for lateral instability of the left knee.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and plantar fasciitis render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities have been rated at 30 percent since April 18, 2013. The claims for service connection for HCV and the clothing allowance or fee dispute are not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the claim for a TDIU, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for osteoarthritis, coronary artery disease and a bilateral foot disability was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims during the July 2010 hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral pes planus, as he indicated that his condition had worsened since his last VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for a right foot disability and TDIU prior to November 20, 2012. The Board finds that it no longer has jurisdiction over these matters.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot, low back, and hip disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral chronic plantar and calcaneal spurs, and neuropathy to the toes and balls of the feet is being remanded due to inadequate examination report. The examiner must provide an opinion on whether any diagnosed condition is related to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy, pes planus, and a pelvic tilt with an apparent leg length discrepancy are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle and right foot disabilities, finding that extending the benefit of doubt to the Veteran supports these claims.