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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability, including as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability, meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder and right ankle disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board denied the claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and an increased rating for residuals of right ankle fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral keratoconus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a clarifying opinion regarding the etiology and aggravation of the Veteran's left foot disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder, back disorder, and left foot plantar fasciitis. The initial disability ratings assigned are as follows: a non-compensable rating for IBS and a 10 percent rating for right ankle sprain with tendonitis and right talus cyst.

The Board has reopened the claim for a low back disability and granted service connection for degenerative disc disease at L4-L5, finding that it is related to the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident.,Service connection was also established for bilateral plantar fasciitis and right Achilles enthesophyte, with the opinion that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's preexisting bilateral pes planus was made permanently worse during her initial period of ACDUTRA in June 1990, and therefore service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board found that the Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as her daily personal needs are met by herself.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral pes planus is denied as the earliest date that service connection may be awarded is June 14, 2000.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hand disability, nervous condition (depressive disorder NOS with anxiety disorder NOS), and left knee strain have been granted. The claim for pancreatitis is considered 'unknown' as it is not addressed in the decision.,The Veteran's right hand disability and bilateral pes planus were reopened and granted service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is manifested by symptoms of, at most, moderate pain on use and palpation. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of current right wrist, ankle or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected xerosis with chronic pruritus and eczema is rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular benefit. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral onychomycosis and bilateral flat feet.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability, characterized by symptoms such as pain with manipulation and motion, decreased ankle dorsiflexion due to Achilles tendon pain, an altered gait after walking, and indication of swelling on use, more nearly approximates the criteria for a moderately severe foot injury. A 20 percent initial disability rating is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot, ankle, and knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his period of active duty. The preponderance of the evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus was rated at 50% since August 29, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma is granted as it can be presumed to be related to his presumed herbicide exposure in service. The claims for bilateral pes planus and bone spurs of the feet are remanded for VA examinations.