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

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a bilateral hearing loss disability or chronic fatigue syndrome, and his symptoms are manifestations of his service-connected systemic lupus erythematosus with Sjogren's syndrome.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for examinations. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral foot disabilities are being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left wrist tendonitis was withdrawn by the appellant.,The Veteran is entitled to a compensable evaluation (10%) for bilateral pes planus from September 16, 2005, and an increased rating of 10% effective December 8, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus, and for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied, and his claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition secondary to pes planus was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus of the right great toe did not increase in severity during his military service, thus denying service connection for a bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA records and a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's pes planus was aggravated by service. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of service connection are being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have right and/or left foot disability, right and/or left knee/leg disability, or left ankle disability that is the result of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active duty. The current disorders are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with calluses does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral foot disability.

The Board found that asthma, pes planus, and a chronic skin rash were not service-connected as they did not manifest during the appellant's periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) or INACDUTRA. The appellant's asthma was first noted after her second period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for bilateral pes planus, and the Board finds jurisdiction moot.

The Board found that the Veteran's left wrist and foot conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a pre-existing condition aggravated by service or any other form of service connection.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and they are not related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and adjudication due to a lack of medical evidence. The case is now pending again.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began, effective from when her disability was initially granted. The current rating is in line with the severity of her symptoms and impairment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster, and plantar warts were first manifested during active service.