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

The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus and plantar fasciitis have been manifested by all toes tending to dorsiflexion, definite tenderness under the metatarsal heads of the left foot, marked varus deformity bilaterally, and extreme tenderness of the plantar surface of the left foot that is improved with orthopedic shoes or appliances. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and found that the Veteran's current low back condition is related to his active military service. The case of an increased rating for bilateral flat feet remains pending, as does the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since December 11, 2007. The disability is characterized by pain upon walking and standing, requiring the use of orthotics.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a skin disability. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his left ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability. Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis but denied for fallen arches or other bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, did not render him unemployable prior to June 27, 2014. As of that date, the issue of TDIU is moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development, including scheduling a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination with a podiatrist. The left leg mononeuritis claim also requires an addendum opinion from the March 2012 examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and to obtain an opinion addressing whether the Veteran's current low back, right knee, and left foot disabilities are related to her service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability was not incurred during service or due to a service-connected condition, and his TDIU claim is denied as he can still engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, thoracolumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis, status post arthroscopic surgery, has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,Prior to February 25, 2016, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right and left knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral foot disability are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to additional evidence received since April 2012, and a videoconference hearing is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his active service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral foot disability and TDIU claim.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's plantar digital neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals, open reduction and internal fixation, left navicular, do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, and evaluations of his right and left foot plantar fascia releases prior to March 30, 2016 were denied. His initial compensable evaluation for a right ankle sprain was granted, as was an initial compensable evaluation for a left ankle sprain. However, he did not receive the requested increased evaluation for his left knee strain with patellar spur.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with calcaneal plantar fasciitis, effective from the date of the decision.