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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disorder was evaluated at a 30 percent rating from June 24, 2010, to September 30, 2015. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left foot disability due to insufficient evidence and an inadequate VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disabilities, including pes planus, metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and plantar fasciitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not show an increase in disability during service, and there was no objective medical-based clinical evidence of progression of the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet to include degenerative joint disease of the left foot with plantar spur resulted in pain on manipulation and use, swelling on use, and severe functional loss. The Board granted a 30 percent rating from July 20, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination findings and clarification of diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot and respiratory disorders are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any current right foot or respiratory condition is causally linked to his military service.

The Board granted increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus of the right and left feet, and degenerative joint disease of both feet. The Veteran's TDIU status from service-connected depressive disorder is also recognized.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals from a head cyst removal are service-connected, but his bilateral foot disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD) are not service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral flat feet and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for bilateral pes planus with degenerative changes in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The Board finds that no earlier effective date is warranted as there are no pending, unadjudicated claims prior to June 18, 2009 and it is not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was 30 percent disabling within one year prior to June 18, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, right foot disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability, and heart disability have been reopened. The right foot disability claim has been granted. Service connection is not established for the other conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent prior to January 30, 2014 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence supported a 30 percent rating for the period prior to January 30, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further evidentiary development is needed.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot disability is at least as likely as not related to his service, including any in-service heel pain and tendonitis. As such, the claim for service connection for a right foot disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a video hearing, and the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right foot plantar fasciitis are pending.

The Veteran's use of left knee and left foot/ankle braces, as well as his back brace, caused more damage to clothing than one brace alone. The right knee brace was denied because the Veteran is not service-connected for any right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative requested to withdraw all issues on appeal.