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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining complete VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities. The Veteran must also be scheduled for a new examination before service connection can be decided on the merits for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment and personnel records from his Enlisted Reserve Corps service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU have been granted. She is currently rated at 50% for bilateral pes planus, 10% for right bunionectomy with healed scar, and her combined rating for bilateral lower extremities (below the knee) is 60%, which meets the criteria for a TDIU effective from June 25, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease, is related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left foot disability related to service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is addressed separately.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was granted. The appeal regarding an initial rating higher than 30 percent for pancreatitis with GERD and the hearing loss claim were both denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, and pes cavus, is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and the Veteran's Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) records. The higher rating claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis fibromatosis will also be remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right foot disability, nerve damage to his elbow, hip condition, knee condition, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues were decided on the merits as there was no indication of a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated medical records. The TDIU application should also be completed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any foot disability other than bilateral pes planus that was present during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his service connection claims, particularly concerning his bilateral pes planus and knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for right leg and right foot disabilities, including obtaining medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot and ankle disabilities, as well as erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability, including plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also found no evidence to support a finding of secondary service connection for his left foot disability due to his right foot disability.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an examination to determine if his current right foot disability, including heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsalgia, is related to service. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was evaluated at a 10 percent rating prior to March 12, 2016 and at a 30 percent rating on and after that date. The Board found the evidence did not support ratings higher than these levels.