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

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that it is related to his weight gain during military service. The claim for tinnitus was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated as a moderate disability since November 6, 2015. The appeal for higher ratings is denied. The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claim for service connection and finds that a current bilateral foot disability was incurred during active service.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus have been rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU effective September 7, 2010 due to his service-connected MDD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus, hypertension, heart disorder, respiratory disorder, sinus disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye, left knee, and left foot disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of a current kidney, foot, or leg disability noted during the pendency of the appeal. The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded this case for additional development, including a comprehensive vocational assessment and functional capacity evaluation to determine the Veteran's ability to perform in his occupational field given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities and determine if she has a current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 20 percent prior to December 10, 2014. After a review of the evidence, including VA examinations and treatment records, the Board found that his symptoms warranted a higher rating up to 50 percent (less the 10 percent preservice percentage). The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 40 percent rating effective December 10, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection of PTSD with depression. Other claims were not resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and issues related to missing service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple disabilities are pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and reviewing existing treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his plantar wart and service connection for his lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot disorders, including arthritis, are not related to his military service.