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

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of the reasons and bases as to why his plantar fasciitis, bilateral hallux valgus, bunions, and/or hammertoes were not distinct and separate manifestations entitled to separate disability ratings.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, right foot disability, left foot disability, bilateral toe disability, and cellulitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus, right knee arthritis, chronic left knee strain, and arthritis of the lumbar spine are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection is denied for all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is service-connected due to exposure to ionizing radiation. Her bilateral plantar fasciitis and left hip osteoarthritis are both granted initial disability ratings, but the rating for her left hip condition was not increased beyond 10 percent.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and likely etiology of the appellant's claimed bilateral foot disability, including verification of service periods and duties. The case is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent, effective September 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for plantar fasciitis of the feet as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The claim for DJD of the feet was not supported by evidence and is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and an inadequate etiological opinion. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral pes planus, scar above the right eyebrow, and allergic rhinitis were not found to warrant higher ratings. The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with synovitis was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disorder and left great toe disorder are not service-connected.,Service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder is denied as it is less likely than not related to his military service or service-connected right and left knee disorders. The Veteran's current hip condition is more likely due to age-related degenerative changes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection and special monthly compensation based upon the need for aid and attendance. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case after any necessary examinations are completed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen her claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus and a left knee disability. She is also granted service connection for bilateral pes planus on an aggravation basis and for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disability, bilateral foot disabilities, and acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence.,Service connection was not granted for bilateral knee arthritis as the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the claims for lumbar spine and right foot disabilities, which are now on the merits. The Veteran's service connection claims have been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and postoperative bunionectomy residuals have been rated based on their current manifestations. The claim for increased rating is granted, with a temporary increase to 50% effective June 3, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to inadequate opinion from the June 2014 VA examiner. The case will be reviewed and readjudicated based on all evidence.