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

Your appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference or travel board hearing. If you do not want the hearing, please inform the RO in writing.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions was denied. The only granted rating was for a 10% rating for right and left foot plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs, which approximates mild bilateral flatfoot.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of entitlement to ratings in excess of 50 percent for psoriatic arthritis with bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, right ankle psoriatic arthritis, left ankle psoriatic arthritis, and left wrist psoriatic arthritis have been dismissed.

The Veteran was granted service connection for left sacroiliitis, left knee disability, and bilateral pes planus. The initial rating of 10 percent has been granted for the left knee disability from January 4, 2006 to September 13, 2007, and for the bilateral pes planus from January 4, 2006 to February 3, 2011.,The Veteran's back disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling since January 4, 2006. The left knee disability was initially rated at noncompensable (0%) and later increased to 10% effective September 13, 2007. The bilateral pes planus was also initially rated at noncompensable (0%), but increased to 10% effective February 3, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis does not warrant referral to the Director of Compensation Services for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed due to his request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, with residuals of surgeries in 2008 and 2010, is currently rated at 50% since September 11, 2013. The rating is granted as the evidence shows marked deformity, pain on use, swelling, and characteristic calluses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by vision problems, and presbyopia is not related to active service. For his bilateral foot disability, there was no evidence of injury or fracture in service, nor arthritis within one year post-service. Service connection could not be granted as the condition did not become manifest during service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service incurrence of symptoms, and a link between the two.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot, left foot, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities are all service-connected.,The Veteran's low back disability and cervical spine disability were also found to be service-connected.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability. The issue will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her claimed bilateral foot disability and neuropathy. The case will be reconsidered after these opinions are obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for nephrolithiasis and a compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a chronic respiratory disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the terms of the Joint Motion for Remand (JMR), which includes obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under VA rating criteria. The appeal for increased evaluation and CUE claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for PTSD and initial increased ratings for an arachnoid cyst on the thoracic spine, pes planus, and a low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities and a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The rating for bilateral pes planus remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a low back disability. The AOJ must issue a statement of the case with respect to the issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus, and then readjudicate the appeal based on all evidence.