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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding his service in the U.S. Army Reserves and further development of his left knee disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the spine, is granted. The Veteran does not have current diagnoses for a left wrist disability, right wrist disability, or right foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of newly submitted evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary development has been completed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, ingrown toenails, bone spurs of the heels, right knee disability, varicose veins, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis for hemorrhoids and noted that pes planus was noted on entry into service but not aggravated by service. Service connection has been granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are service-connected, with the latter being granted based on in-service combat injuries. The bilateral foot disability is not yet rated.,Service connection for neck and back disabilities remains pending as there are no diagnoses provided by the May 2012 VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was incurred in service and aggravated by his military duties. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and any outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot, ankle, and knee disabilities had their onsets during service. As a result, the claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not develop any of the claimed disabilities during service or as a result of his service-connected left knee disability. The claims for right leg, bilateral foot, low back, and right hip disabilities have been denied.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was granted a higher initial rating of 40 percent, effective June 13, 2017. The left foot disability was also granted an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of the feet, ankles, knees, or respiratory system that are related to his military service. The preponderance of evidence fails to establish any present disability as a result of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his respiratory disability, right shoulder disability, left varicocele, and bilateral flat feet. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these cases.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to insufficient evidence and a missed VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hallux valgus as secondary to his service-connected hammer toes with calcaneal spurs. However, it denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability other than hallux valgus and hammer toes with calcaneal spurs.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar posterior calcaneal spurs was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot disability and obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected left ankle mid-foot arch strain.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD, with dysthymia and bilateral pes planus effective March 13, 2009. The Veteran's claims for right knee and left knee disabilities were also granted but assigned an earlier effective date of January 22, 2010.

The Veteran's right foot disability was granted an initial 10 percent rating. The cervical spine disability was not service connected, but the claim is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding the increased ratings for right shoulder disability, acquired claw foot with hammer toes, status post resection of a left heel spur, Achilles tendon lengthening and plantar fascial release, and right foot strain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records from the Richmond VAMC.