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

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and right shoulder and neck torticollis. The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus disability is related to military service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been manifested by moderate symptoms such as weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe of both feet, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon with respect to both feet, pain on manipulation and use with respect to both feet. The Board finds a 10 percent initial rating is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus from April 21, 1997.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle pain is found to be related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claims prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been rated at 50 percent since March 14, 2011. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet as well as whether any other diagnosed foot disorders are related to his service-connected flat feet or to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 25, 2008. He is granted a TDIU based solely on his PTSD and also qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate effective December 25, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus was granted with a 30% rating effective February 27, 1992. Service connection for arthritis of the feet was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the conditions listed in his claims, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further action, including obtaining additional VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination of his bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining a medical opinion on secondary service connection and addressing pre-existing pes planus.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a failure to issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) after additional development. The appellant is advised of all applicable rights and given an opportunity to respond.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are more likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for bilateral foot pes cavus, bilateral foot calcaneal spur, left foot plantar fasciitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% from September 1, 2012.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and plantar fasciitis of the right foot. The claim for bilateral shin disability was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a chronic bilateral shin disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The right ear hearing loss, bilateral foot disabilities, prostate disability, and anal disability will be evaluated further.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's right foot disability worsened during service and if orthotics used during and after service represent a permanent worsening beyond the natural progression of the condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar peripheral neuropathy is in remand status due to the need for additional development and opinions. His pending claim for diabetes mellitus must also be adjudicated before his current claim can be decided.