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

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer was rated at 20 percent and his bilateral pes planus at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the neck/cervical spine that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service. The Veteran's service-connected hammertoes of the right foot are manifested by symptoms associated with multiple toes; they are not manifested by claw foot or other foot injuries. Prior to August 18, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was manifested by mild symptomatology; it was not manifested by moderate symptoms with weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo Achilles, pain on manipulation and use of the feet. As of August 18, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been manifested with marked deformity (such as pronation) and pain on manipulation and use accentuated; it has not been associated with pronounced symptoms such as marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is manifested by osteoarthritis with painful motion and the removal of semilunar cartilage that is symptomatic; it is not manifested by flexion to 60 degrees or less, limited extension, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, impairment of the tibia and fibula or genu recurvatum. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not meet the criteria for a separate evaluation of 10 percent for a right knee meniscectomy.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding development of evidence and potential substitution of the appellant for the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues regarding service connection and rating of the Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis, as well as additional theories of entitlement raised by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral vitreous floaters. The Veteran's current condition is found to have originated during his active military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of current hip or foot disabilities, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's mid-feet DJD, hallux valgus, and hammertoes are service-connected as secondary to her service-connected bilateral flat feet. The Board has granted a combined rating of 40% for both feet, effective April 19, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of back, cervical spine, and bilateral foot disorders. The May 2004 rating decision is final.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inextricably intertwined issues and new examinations are required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's renal disorder, plantar fasciitis, and sleep apnea are related to his service-connected conditions or occurred during active duty. As such, these claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims will be reconsidered in light of this additional information.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease of the feet is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects severe symptoms including marked deformity and pain on manipulation and use accentuated. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues, including service connection claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection claim for a right foot disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current left foot disability and denied his claim for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder is not related to her military service or service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus denied her claim for service connection. The Board also found no evidence of a current foot disability due to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.