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

The Veteran's claim for an annual VA clothing allowance based on his service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied as the evidence did not show that his orthopedic shoes wore or tore on his clothing. The Board found that items like shoes do not tend to tear and wear clothing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has a current disability related to his service or a service-connected disorder.,The Board also found no evidence linking the Veteran's dizziness and headaches to service. The Board concluded that there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between these symptoms and any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip and knee osteoarthritis, as well as his flat feet, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying the Veteran's in-service stressor.

The Board found that the evidence does not support service connection for a right foot disability, as there is no medical evidence of an in-service injury or disease and the current condition is not related to any such event.

The Board found no current disability related to the Veteran's service connection claims for skin, left leg, and left foot disabilities due to exposure to Agent Orange. The VA examiners concluded that there is no evidence of a chronic condition or sensory/motor abnormalities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of plantar fasciectomies of both feet warrant an initial rating of 10 percent each, based on moderate disability as per Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and workers' compensation records. The case will be adjudicated on the merits after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue for additional development, including requesting an updated VA Form 21-8940 and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was aggravated by active service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 20, 2012 and since then has been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his right wrist disability, as well as issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is found to be the result of his service-connected calcaneal heel spurs, and thus granted service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with secondary plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel component has been manifested by pronounced symptoms throughout the entire period on appeal, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The VA Board denied service connection for a right foot disorder and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of continuity of symptoms or medical relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current, separate disabilities in her hips, hands, fingers, knees, ankles, or feet that are distinct from her service-connected rheumatoid arthritis. As such, she is denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and plantar fasciitis have been granted. The specific conditions, issues addressed, and the disposition of each claim are provided.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing service records and for medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.