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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability was found to have been service-connected and rated at a minimum of 10% since September 7, 2010.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and skin disability. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board finds no evidence of a direct relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an additional opinion from the VA examiner who provided the November 2015 addendum opinion. The Veteran's lay statements of record, including his August 2015 hearing testimony, will be considered in rendering the opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tendinitis/metatarsalgia has been rated at the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5279, and is denied as there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right foot plantar fasciitis was granted, with an effective date of March 22, 2016. The initial disability rating assigned is 20 percent.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to evaluate the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left foot disability due to scheduling issues and the need for further medical evaluation. The appeal is currently remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent since October 31, 2012. The most recent VA examination found the condition to be manifested by moderate symptoms with pain on manipulation and use of the feet.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, upper back disability, and bilateral foot collapsed arches are all at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical records. The Board will consider whether his conditions may be related to undiagnosed illness or direct service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs had its onset during active military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has vacated the denial of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and remanded it. The Veteran's preexisting bilateral flat feet did not increase in disability during active service, and were not aggravated thereby.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for a back disability and found no new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral foot and right shoulder disabilities were also denied as there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and other issues.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planovalgus was rated as 10 percent disabling from November 24, 2009 to February 3, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will then be referred to the Director of VA Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during her military service and is therefore not entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.