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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including MDD, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of March 5, 2001. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is now set at May 13, 2004.

The Veteran is granted an initial compensable disability rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis with mild pes planus prior to April 14, 2012. From that date, he is granted increased ratings up to a maximum of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected flat feet do not result in loss of use of the right foot, as he still maintains significant function and can walk with assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by active duty service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, stomach disability (GERD), hemorrhoids, and left hip disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board has granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent for right and left knee strains, but denied the claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are rated based on their direct effects rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his low back and left foot disabilities. Additionally, he will be scheduled for another VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including a right elbow disability, back disability, hand disorder, hearing loss, headaches, swollen glands, female problems and menstrual disorders, abdominal pain (residuals of hysterectomy), hypertension, left arm pain, right arm pain, left wrist pain, right hand pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, and bilateral foot disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral foot disabilities due to ionizing radiation. The evidence now shows a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial increased rating for right knee chondromalacia patella, service connection for a left ankle disability and bilateral flat feet with corns, as well as entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and restless leg syndrome related to his period of service. The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen beyond its natural progression during service, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized as degenerative joint disease with pes planus, was rated at 30 percent effective July 12, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral foot disability, specifically pes planus, was not aggravated by his active military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral pes planus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are necessary before the claims can be decided on their merits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including a psychiatric disorder, have been granted.