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

The Veteran's left foot disability is currently evaluated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent under Code 5284, and a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of actual loss of use of the foot.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and dental records. The appeal will be considered on a complete record.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection claims related to his acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. His cervical spine and right thumb disabilities were evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral foot disability, low back disability, or shrapnel retained in head that were incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability warrants a 70 percent rating, and she meets the criteria for TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection for all of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, along with associated pes planus, hallux valgus, and first MTP arthrosis, is currently rated at 50 percent under the criteria for severe bilateral pes planus. This rating is more nearly approximated than any lower rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any right ankle, bilateral foot, left knee iliotibial tendonitis, or lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, IVDS and stenosis disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and lower extremity conditions, cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. As such, the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including those pertaining to the evaluation of spine and foot conditions, service connection for hip replacements, pes planus, arthritis, PTSD, and residuals of syphilis. The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral flat feet, and lung disability (COPD) were not incurred in or related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for palmoplantar keratoderma but granted a 10 percent evaluation. The claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability was not incurred during service, is not attributable to service, did not manifest within one year of discharge from service, and is not related to service-connected knee disability. As such, the claim for service connection for left foot disability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for left ankle osteoarthritis and a left hammer toe deformity were granted as secondary to his service-connected left pes planus with metatarsalgia. The effective date of the grant is set at April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and a review of his claims file.

The Veteran's bilateral foot condition, including pes planus, hammer toes, and arthritis, was granted an initial rating of 30 percent effective June 19, 2013. The left foot hallux valgus received a separate compensable rating prior to that date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected bilateral pes planus does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, resulting in the denial of his claims for increased ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral foot and ankle arthritis is a result of his service-connected bilateral knee condition. The Board finds that the Veteran has met the criteria for service connection.