Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with MDD and tinnitus, but the other issues remain denied. The Veteran's claim of new and material evidence to reopen his bilateral leg disability including leg cramps is dismissed.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for bilateral pes planus as it was aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for high cholesterol, sleep apnea, night sweats, PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability (including major depressive disorder), fibromyalgia, and a bilateral leg disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal. The claims for a bilateral foot disability are not on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The issues of whether SSB recoupment was proper and entitlement to an increased rating for right foot hallux valgus with pes planus are both pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to clarify the nature of his foot conditions, including whether he has plantar fasciitis associated with his service-connected heel spurs.

The Veteran was in receipt of a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) since October 2001, and the criteria for TDIU were met as of February 13, 2001. As the death occurred after the effective date of TDIU, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to ensure that due process is followed and the Veteran is afforded every possible consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the April 2012 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding service connection and rating issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability, manifested by pes planus and a calcaneal spur, is due to injuries sustained during her extensive period of active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of discharge from service or were not caused by a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder) is also not service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by pes cavus with shortened plantar fascia, peroneal tendonitis with tear, peroneal atrophy, and sural neuritis, has been rated as 30 percent since May 30, 2008. The Board finds that a rating of 50 percent is warranted from this date onwards.

The Board found that the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus granted severance of this condition. The Veteran's other claims were denied as there is no evidence linking any current disabilities to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including plantar warts and pes planus, is service-connected. However, there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a finding of in-service aggravation for these conditions. For his back disorder, the Board finds insufficient medical or credible lay evidence to establish an in-service injury or disease that led to current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC for loss of use of one foot due to his service-connected left knee disability. However, he is not entitled to SMC based on a need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus, and hammer toes is adequately rated under the applicable rating criteria. The Board concluded that the schedular evaluation reasonably described his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left foot disability is related to his period of active duty service or any other relevant exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ankle/foot disability, manifested by pain and a calcaneal spur, is likely due to injuries sustained during his period of active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.