Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service injury or disease. The claim was also denied for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and related sciatic nerve radiculopathy issues.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for hemorrhoids and plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia (previously rated as left big toe tendonitis) have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for Crohn's disease is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and bilateral foot disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for flat feet and a back disorder are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus disability, including degenerative arthritis, is a direct result of his military service, specifically during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a June 2017 examiner regarding whether the Veteran's plantar fasciitis is related to his service-connected bilateral metatarsalgia with callosities. The case will also be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted for the metatarsalgia. Additionally, the claims for service connection for gout and a leg disability are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during active military service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including hammertoes and pes planus, is related to his active service.,The Veteran's current tinnitus is also related to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus with tarsal arthritis pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand, foot, knee disabilities and loss of teeth due to trauma. The evidence does not support a finding that any current disability is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it at least as likely as not that the condition began during active duty service. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with chronic plantar fasciitis and right plantar spur, status post right plantar fasciectomy and left plantar fascia release with scars has been rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to lack of severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot and ankle condition, to include plantar fasciitis, residual of stress fractures is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is reasonably shown to have had its onset in service and persisted since, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions, or that any such disabilities are causally related to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with degenerative joint disease are rated at 50% since September 9, 2015. The current rating adequately compensates the disability level and symptomatology.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left foot disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU remains pending.