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

The Veteran's service-connected left and right foot plantar heel spurs have been rated at 10 percent prior to August 12, 2016. The current rating of 20 percent is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral great toe osteoarthritis was rated at 50% effective March 24, 2016. Prior to that date, the disability had been rated as 0%. The increase in severity of symptoms occurred on or after July 18, 2013.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been productive of severe symptoms, including pain on manipulation and use accentuated. The Board finds that a 30 percent disability rating is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea syndrome and flat feet are still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee internal derangement with traumatic degenerative joint disease. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a finding of direct service connection for the Veteran's left foot disability.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is less than the 100% required for TDIU, and his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than August 2, 2012 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for service-connected bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no evidence showing an increase in severity within one year prior to the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as onychomycosis of the toenails and tinea pedis with possible bacterial infection, is related to service.,The Veteran has a history of COPD that began in service and is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or were caused by his military service.

The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues were either not addressed or are pending further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral inferior calcaneal spurs do not warrant an initial compensable rating as they are related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and already rated under another diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with multiple plantar warts and calluses were present at service entry, pre-existed service, and did not become aggravated during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and left knee disability have been rated appropriately, but she is seeking higher ratings. The claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left hand disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted from January 26, 2001. The effective date of the grant of service connection for left foot pes planus is set at October 5, 2009. A TDIU claim has been raised.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus due to a lack of recent VA examination and the need for new examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and respiratory disability are related to his exposure to carbon tetrachloride during service. The Veteran's current disabilities have been granted as secondary to this exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service and denied her claims for bilateral bunions and right foot condition as secondary to pes planus.