Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis was denied by the Board. The disability is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his bilateral knee conditions. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for further development of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, is secondary to his service-connected right leg disability and grants this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 24, 2008 did not meet or approximate the percentage requirements for entitlement to a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, the claim must be remanded so that it can be referred to VA's Director, Compensation Service, for initial consideration on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left ankle and nerve disabilities have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent since December 2011, prior to his January 9, 2012 surgery. After this date, he is entitled to a higher disability rating based on loss of use of the left foot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and callus formation is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the relationship between his degenerative joint disease and his service-connected condition, as well as additional examination.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 6, 2012, for cellulitis of the left lower extremity were denied because they did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, which was initially granted at 10 percent in August 2001 and increased to 30 percent in January 2013. The Veteran appealed this decision.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a foot disability was denied in April 1987, and new evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that there is no chronic, identifiable right lower extremity disability in or after service.,Service connection for a hand disability, hearing loss disability, and jaw disability were not established as they are not supported by medical evidence of record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative bone disease, lung disorder (granulomata of the lungs with COPD), hypertension, heart disorder, headaches, depression as secondary to other medical conditions, flat feet, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any in-service exposure.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim was withdrawn prior to decision.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, osteoarthritis, and mild hammertoes, had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service, or that it is related to or aggravated by the service-connected residuals, partial tear, of the left Achilles tendon.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his relocation and the need for a new hearing date. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar segment of the spine, and right foot disability are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a spine examination. The claims of increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine strain with facet arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also being considered.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral plantar fasciitis and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for all issues except the entitlement to an extended period of a temporary total rating for convalescence status-post total right knee replacement, which has been remanded.