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

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation was at least 70% prior to July 28, 2015. The evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition.,The Board also found no evidence of a current left foot disability due to service, and concluded that any such disability is unrelated to his service-connected left lower extremity strain.

The Veteran claims service connection for bilateral heel spurs and preexisting bilateral plantar fasciitis aggravated during periods of active duty training. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not have onset during active service or within one year of discharge, and are not otherwise etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the character of the Veteran's discharge from service is not a bar to receiving VA benefits, and thus he qualifies as a 'veteran' for purposes of VA benefits.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability was rated at 10 percent prior to August 28, 2014. After the remand, it was increased to 30 percent effective August 28, 2014.

The Board granted an effective date of May 7, 2008 for the assignment of a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis. The Veteran's claim was previously denied in January 2012 but later increased to 50 percent with an effective date of November 9, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, did not develop during service or is otherwise related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of preexisting pes planus.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with osteoarthritic changes and hallux valgus have been rated as moderate, but the current evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain has also been rated as 10% prior to March 11, 2015 and 20% thereafter, with no additional issues warranting further increase in ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was incurred during active service and is not aggravated by service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot disability and headache disability in March 1996 due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's CUE claims were not successful.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 10 percent since October 28, 2006. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximate moderately severe foot injury under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to December 15, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the AOJ for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local VA office. The Veteran has requested a Board videoconference hearing, but his request was received prior to any Board consideration of his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus preexisted service and did not increase in severity during service, thus denying service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity beyond its natural progression during his active service, thus denying service connection for flat feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of new and material evidence for various conditions are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including clarification of service dates and obtaining additional Reserve records. The Veteran's claims for right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral pes planus or flat feet are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with tibial sesamoiditis warrants a 10 percent disability rating prior to August 18, 2014.