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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the issue of whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in an August 25, 2008 rating decision which denied service connection for a right foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including spine disorder, depressive disorder, radiculopathy, right foot and left foot degenerative joint diseases, and right knee degenerative joint disease, preclude her from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's left foot disability is found to be service-connected, and he is granted a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back syndrome, caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises. However, the need for aid and attendance was not due solely to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated as a 10 percent disability, and his right foot disability has been granted service connection. The Board found that the current right foot disability is related to in-service bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board found no evidence of a superimposed disease or injury during service that would warrant granting service connection for the Veteran's nasal/breathing disorder. For her bilateral foot condition, the VA examiner concluded these conditions were less likely than not related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's urinary tract disorder is a congenital defect and not service-connected. However, it granted an increased rating of 10% for his left foot disability due to moderate difficulties with standing on tip toes.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU has been granted, effective from May 31, 2014. The right foot disability is the only service-connected condition considered in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected left foot disability and low back condition.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 20 percent for right and left foot plantar fasciitis, finding the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated moderately severe disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that the Veteran did not provide good cause for failing to report for VA examinations. The claims for PTSD and migraine headaches are denied due to failure to report for VA examination without good cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar/thoracic spine and bilateral knee disorders are not related to her service-connected pes planus, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disorder of plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus and metatarsalgia was incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination to address service connection and rating issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are related to his active service, with aggravation beyond its natural progression for the pes planus.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right and left hallux valgus, and degenerative changes to the bilateral feet are rated as per their severity. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted but with specific ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder and left foot conditions were granted initial compensable ratings, while her right shoulder scars and right foot plantar fasciitis with heel spurs received the same initial rating.