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

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis, tuberculosis, bilateral hearing loss disability, recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a noncompensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability, a separate 10 percent rating for facial asymmetry due to the left mandible lesion, and a separate 10 percent rating for incomplete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve. A higher rating in excess of 30 percent from February 2, 2016 is granted for his recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur is rated at the maximum assignable under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable disability ratings for her service-connected left (minor) shoulder, bilateral plantar fasciitis of the feet, and right and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient examination findings. She needs new VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for back, left ankle, left foot, left hip, and right hip disabilities. The Veteran's current lower back conditions are not related to the alleged in-service forklift incident.,The Veteran's left ankle condition is also not related to the alleged in-service forklift incident.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a closed rib fracture was not reopened. The effective date for the lumbar spine disability rating is denied prior to June 23, 2015. A 10 percent rating is granted for the right foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, resulting in a final decision. The appeal is denied.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, as the current evidence does not support a higher rating under the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type two was denied as the evidence does not support a link to service. Claims for right and left foot disabilities and migraines were reopened due to new and material evidence. However, no service connection was granted for these conditions. The Veteran's scar of the right ear remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as his left and right foot disabilities, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot pes planus and plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left shoulder disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and other musculoskeletal issues, has been granted. However, some claims were remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 10 percent rating prior to September 17, 2007. The initial rating for bronchial asthma with sleep apnea on an extraschedular basis remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot conditions and a neck disorder, as well as his request to reduce his disability rating for low back strain. The appeals were all denied due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 1, 1997 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 1, 1997.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and did not worsen during service, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus and plantar fasciitis, status-post hammer toe surgery, do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right foot from June 20, 2012 to September 18, 2013 and from March 19, 2015 does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. However, his neuropathy of the left foot from June 20, 2012 to September 18, 2013 and from March 19, 2015 meets the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right foot from September 19, 2013 to March 18, 2015 does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. However, his neuropathy of the left foot from September 19, 2013 to March 18, 2015 meets the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral flat feet, bilateral hearing loss, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and left ankle disorder. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hand and foot conditions, as well as right ear hearing loss and a skin disability. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to incomplete or missing evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connection is established.,Service connection for a bilateral hip disability is denied due to lack of in-service injury or chronicity.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and pes plano valgus with arthritis. The decision is based on evidence showing a current disability (diagnosed conditions), incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury in service (in-service diagnosis and current findings), and a nexus between the current disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to inadequate duty to assist determinations and a need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of service connection for bilateral foot disability. The other issues remain remanded.