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

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hypertension had its onset and was shown in service. As such, the criteria for entitlement to service connection for hypertension have been met.

The Board found no new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, PTSD, and bilateral pes planus. The service connection claim for tinnitus was denied as there is no medical evidence linking current tinnitus to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed left knee disability, and his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated appropriately, as are his hearing loss and CTS. His acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle condition, and head injury with headaches and myofascial pain syndrome do not warrant increased ratings. Finally, the Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, hearing loss, residuals of a deviated nasal septum (withdrawn), left ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board is also remanding the claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right foot disability, which the Board has remanded due to inadequate previous opinions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability pension based on service-connected disabilities. The evidence shows that his disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, along with arthritis, sesamoiditis, and heel spurs in both feet, results in a severe right foot disability and a severe left foot disability. The Board has granted two separate 30 percent ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus alone does not prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded this case due to missing documents and a need for further consideration of the Veteran's arguments and submitted evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his service-connected pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Other issues on appeal are also pending.

The Board has determined that there is no current right foot condition that was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for bilateral pes planus, PTSD, and coronary artery disease have been granted. An effective date of November 24, 2008 has also been established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, sinusitis, and a bilateral foot condition were previously denied. The current evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factor.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his compensation benefits withheld in 2014. The Board will review and adjudicate this claim again after receiving any supporting evidence from the Veteran.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The plantar fasciitis of both feet are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination in October 2013. The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral foot disorders, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs with pain and degenerative changes, is now pending.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by pain when walking and weight bearing, requiring orthotics, medication, and injections to manage the pain. The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating for this condition is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for DM and PTSD, as well as for low back disability. The Veteran's other claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 90%, which satisfies the criteria for a TDIU. The evidence shows that the Veteran's PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.