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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all relevant records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of right elbow, left elbow, and left foot plantar fasciitis.,A left knee disorder is related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The TDIU claim will be deferred pending resolution of the frostbite claims.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for her service-connected right foot disability. The case has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically the morphine prescribed for his service-connected left knee disability. As a result, the Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and left lower extremity disability is proximately due to his service-connected right foot disability, granting service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a left foot disability remains pending.

The Veteran's back disability was rated at 40% effective June 21, 2016. The RO granted a separate rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS.

The Veteran's service-connected pes planus with hallux valgus and hammer toes of both feet have been rated at 30 percent since the entire period on appeal, reflecting pronounced disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the service-connected multiple joint pain, right foot disorders, and arthralgia of the hips did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the issues of service connection for a low back disability and a bilateral foot disability, with an emphasis on whether there is evidence suggesting that a pre-existing low back disability underwent an increase in underlying pathology during service.

The Veteran's service-connected pes planus is rated at 30 percent, and separate ratings of 10 percent for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are granted.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left ankle disorder or bilateral foot disorders during service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle and foot conditions are not related to his service, either directly or through a presumption of service connection. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further consideration due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, bilateral foot disability (pes planus and plantar fasciitis), and hemorrhoids are not service-connected due to his dishonorable discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of his claims for increased rating and service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain missing STRs and to provide a VA examination to determine the etiology of his lumbar spine, bilateral knee, bilateral hip, and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's upper and low back disabilities are found to be related to service, while his right knee and foot disabilities are also found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia and pes planus did not render her unemployable prior to January 28, 2014. The Board denied the earlier effective date claim as there was no evidence of unemployability before that date.