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

The Board found no evidence of a chronic skin disorder present in service, and concluded that the Veteran's current skin disability is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected plantar warts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service connected, as there is no competent and probative evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disability was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran has current diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is related to his military service. However, the knee and foot disabilities have not been evaluated due to lack of evidence or examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, diagnosed as rotator cuff tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left leg and left foot disabilities. His pes planus of the left foot has been rated at 20 percent since November 7, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) is granted. The right foot plantar warts with callus formation and left foot plantar warts are each rated at 10 percent, resulting in a combined rating of 80 percent. TDIU is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for a sleep disorder and the current severity of the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and left foot disabilities. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied. The other issues were not addressed as they are pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, is service connected as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. His bilateral foot disability is also service connected. The RO reduced the rating for his low back disability from 40% to 20%, effective July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and schedule him for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities and the etiology of his headache condition.

The Board has granted service connection for calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis of both feet, with a noncompensable (0%) rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess her service-connected knee conditions and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis and initial compensable ratings for hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity. The issues of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity are REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active service or due to a service-connected disability. The VA examinations indicated these conditions were more likely related to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and bilateral foot disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his military service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service did not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for non-service-connected pension benefits due to insufficient active duty and lack of a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's pre-existing left foot disability, including pes planus with degenerative changes and osteomyelitis, was permanently aggravated beyond the natural progression of the disability by his active duty service.