Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2018

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and right foot disabilities are related to his service. The Veteran's hypertension is also considered as being related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, particularly regarding his claimed bilateral foot disability and hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, and denied increased ratings for his left hip degenerative joint disease, residuals of left medial meniscectomy with degenerative joint disease prior to November 11, 2015, and left total knee arthroplasty from January 1, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with DJD of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint was rated at 30 percent from April 18, 2014 to October 16, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent as of April 20, 2015. Effective from July 15, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to TDIU due to his depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral eye disability, and bilateral foot disability need further development due to missing records and incomplete evaluations. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding her bilateral knee and foot disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service-connected. His hypertension, eye injury, and foot disability are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's private medical records related to his claimed conditions. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis did not manifest in service and is not attributable to service. The claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability is granted, with the condition having its onset in service. The claims of increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and cervical spine stenosis are remanded as additional development is needed. The claim for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support his contention of in-service injury and that his current condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations, resulting in the denial of claims for increased ratings and service connection.,A right hand disorder other than status post right 5th finger fracture with deformity was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's post-operative residual of left foot fracture is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 70 percent, and his bilateral pes planus is rated at the minimum schedular disability rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and right ear sensorineural hearing loss have been rated as appropriate, but his left hip condition has not met the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for scoliosis. The Veteran's flat feet (pes planus) were noted at entrance but did not increase in severity during service, and there is no evidence of aggravation beyond natural progression. Service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, and residuals of stress reaction of the right leg cannot be established as these conditions are not shown to have been incurred in service or until many years thereafter.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted a higher rating of 40 percent from August 18, 2015 to June 16, 2016 and a 10 percent rating since June 17, 2016.,Regarding the sleep apnea claim, another examination is required to determine whether it began in service or was caused by events in service. The Veteran's medical records also indicate he has several foot disabilities that are specifically listed, so a remand is necessary for a contemporaneous examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus with hallux valgus, bilateral foot condition, and bilateral knee condition as there was no evidence of in-service aggravation or direct service connection.