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

The Veteran did not incur any of the claimed conditions during active service or within one year thereafter. Symptoms of blood infection, lesions, tumors, neck disability, headaches, and right ankle/foot disability have not been unremitting since separation from service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have first manifested during active duty service and has persisted since that time, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the service-connected flat feet and determine if metatarsalgia warrants a separate disability rating related to the pes planus.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral flat feet were not aggravated by service, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination during a period of flare-up of her dermatitis. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability and gastrointestinal disability, including gastroenteritis and celiac disease. The appellant's current conditions are not considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's right hip disability, status-port total right hip arthroplasty is not service-connected. The combined rating for his service-connected disabilities (30% for bilateral pes planus, 10% each for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and 10% for post-traumatic arthritis of the right thumb) does not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU under section 4.16(a).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg and foot disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and consolidating evidence into claims files.

The Board found that a bilateral foot disorder, to include bilateral flat feet and arthritis of the feet, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bronchial asthma are being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis was granted a 10 percent rating prior to July 7, 2010. The appeal is denied for the remaining issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left knee and plantar fasciitis with degenerative changes.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral pes planus. The case will be remanded to the RO for additional evidentiary development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right foot disability did not begin during or as a result of his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected left knee disability was denied, as the evidence did not show actual or functional flexion limited to 30 degrees.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hallux valgus of the left foot, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis have been granted service connection. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for his hallux valgus of the left foot since January 3, 2012, and a higher rating is not warranted. His bilateral pes planus has also been granted a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, neck disability, and back disability. The decision did not contain clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's initial ratings for pes planus with degenerative changes of the right foot and hallux valgus of the right foot were increased to 30 percent effective October 8, 2012.,No rating was assigned for hammer toes as they are not considered in this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals concerning all issues related to service connection and TDIU prior to October 22, 2010.