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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic conditions in service or clear and unmistakable existence prior to service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service exposure to cold weather and heavy lifting.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disability and a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left hip, left knee, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge. The current evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of aggravation of a pre-existing foot condition during service and that there is no credible supporting evidence to establish the occurrence of any in-service stressor related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including a new VA examination and development of his Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination to determine if the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral pes planus, and hammertoes and a bunion of the right foot. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for his right knee disability was denied. His initial claim for an earlier effective date has been withdrawn. The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or instability, and there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes warranting separate evaluations under Diagnostic Codes 5260-5261 and 5257. His claim for service connection for his right foot disability was also denied as the current condition does not appear to be related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis as there is no evidence of a current disability, and therefore cannot find service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right foot disability, as her last examination was in October 2007 and she has indicated that her condition has worsened.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for VA to make a decision on the claim. The Veteran's right foot disability is being evaluated further.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for a VA examination of the Veteran's feet. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities of the left and right feet, ankles, and low back were incurred in service. Service connection is therefore granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hand pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left knee disability, lumbago (back disability), generalized anxiety disorder, pes planus of the right foot, and fatigue. The claims will be reviewed based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, and left foot disabilities are service-connected. The claim for lower extremity radiculopathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition. The claim for a broken collarbone is denied due to lack of evidence of any residual disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus resulted in pronounced pain and tenderness, resulting in a limitation of walking and standing. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met from August 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability and bilateral pes planus. The effective date of a 30 percent evaluation for the right shoulder will be corrected.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and assigned a 10 percent disability rating, effective from April 30, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.