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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and hammer toe deformity were not aggravated by service, and his onychomycosis is not related to service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cirrhosis, bilateral pes planus, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to notify and schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus resulted in pronounced disability from April 11, 2016, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board finds that the evidence supports service connection for lumbar spine DDD and degenerative changes, as well as bilateral hip disability. Further examination is needed to determine if left knee and left foot disabilities are related to service.

The case is being remanded for additional development to ensure that the Veteran's VA examinations comply with the requirements of Correia v. McDonald, and to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disorder, including arthritis. The decision is based on the evidence not being in favor of a direct link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, left hip disability, and left foot disability, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board found that the criteria for a TDIU were met.

The Veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 3, 2016. The evidence does not show that the disability picture of either foot approximated one of a severe flatfoot.