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

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and sprain of the thoracolumbar spine is manifested by forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, warranting a disability rating of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error for a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran's increased ratings for migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, and bilateral pes planus are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic bronchitis and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and left knee disability are currently rated as 10% each under DCs 5276 and 5284 respectively.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pes planus is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and hammertoes of both feet, with a maximum rating of 10 percent each effective October 10, 2014.

The Veteran's right pes planus has been rated as 10 percent disabling from May 6, 2011 to June 8, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a 10 percent rating have been met during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his tension headaches rated at 50 percent disabling and bilateral flat feet rated at 30 percent disabling, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as there are no legal grounds to assign a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260. For ED, the RO has already granted service connection and assigned the minimum (zero percent) evaluation allowed by law.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher initial disability rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The claim of service connection for right pes planus has been reopened, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot disability, low back disability, and left knee disability. The Board found that the current disabilities were not related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as left foot plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's conditions are related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder and bilateral foot disabilities are not related to his service, including exposure to cold weather. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve impairment of the lower extremities, and a lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His heart murmur is not considered a disability for VA purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hallux rigidus and pes planus, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to show these conditions existed prior to service. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not present sufficient evidence of a nexus between his current foot disorders and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated as 40 percent, the bilateral pes planus as 30 percent prior to March 16, 2012, and PTSD as 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for examinations.