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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a bilateral foot disability have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of any current disabilities or continuity of symptoms related to the Veteran's military service.,The medical records do not show any diagnosis or treatment for hemorrhoids, GERD, IBS, or a bilateral foot disability during or within one year after the Veteran's separation from active duty. The Board also found that there is no evidence linking these disabilities to his service.

The Board found that the grant of service connection for a left foot disability in March 2003 was not CUE, and thus the severance of this service connection was improper.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis and bilateral plantar fasciitis did not have their clinical onset in service or until years later, and are not otherwise attributable to his active service. The VA examination indicated that these conditions were less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during his military service and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for aggravation of this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus and service connection for hepatitis C, right ear condition other than hearing loss, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim of service connection for PTSD was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, finding that it was aggravated during active service. The remaining issues of service connection for psychiatric disability, skin disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral flat feet are remanded.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the left lower extremity have been rated at 20 percent since June 16, 1999. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent prior to June 17, 2014 and at 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot and ankle disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claim for the right foot disability, and there is no current diagnosed right ankle disability.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C was incurred in service. The issue of service connection for a foot disability, to include bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, plantar fasciitis, and bilateral knee arthritis are not considered service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is not service connected as it was not shown to have been present in service or for many years thereafter. The right foot drop (assumed right foot disability) is also not service connected as there is no evidence of such being present in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 5, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left foot disability, as it relates to service. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also entitled to a higher rating for his PTSD, but the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain post-service treatment records and military retiree records.

The Veteran's Bell's palsy, bilateral pes planus, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder were not found to be related to service. The Board determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder did not manifest during active service.

The Veteran's initial claims for service connection for a left hip disability, right knee disability, and left foot disability were denied in January 2007. New evidence received since then has been found to be new and material, reopening the claims.,PTSD was rated as 50 percent disabling prior to April 14, 2015, and is now rated as 70 percent disabling after that date.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left lower extremity disability other than his service-connected left leg varicose veins with circulatory problems and service-connected left foot disability. Therefore, service connection for a left lower extremity condition is denied.

The Board has determined that none of the Veteran's claimed disabilities began during service or are related to service in any other way.

The Board finds that the cause of the Veteran's death was of service origin and thus, service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death.