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

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability is denied as there is no evidence showing the condition began during his active duty or training periods.,Service connection for a left foot disability is also denied, with no onset identified during qualifying service and no evidence linking it to in-service events.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right foot disabilities, Meniere's disease (claimed as vertigo), hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and tinea versicolor. The reasons given were that the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a hearing loss and tinnitus examination, and scheduling a lumbar spine examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee and foot disabilities, including right hip strain. The claims for increased ratings are being returned due to inconsistencies in the July 2015 examination report. Additional examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee and right foot conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II. The right foot disorder issue is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, and plantar fasciitis disabilities. The claim for eye disability (blurred vision) was also denied.,Service connection for sinus disability, pulmonary disability due to asbestos exposure, respiratory disability (residuals of pneumonia and restrictive lung disease), major depressive disorder, and PTSD were all denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's former position as a computer programmer with an Associate degree education level is no longer suitable due to excessive absences from work and school caused by service-connected migraine headaches. The decision grants reentrance into the VR&E program.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for plantar fasciitis, lumbar spine disability, and hallux valgus of the bilateral feet. The Veteran's claims are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for plantar fibromatosis due to additional development of records and an examination.

The Veteran's current 10 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus is insufficient, and the VA has not reviewed his recent medical records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records and possibly schedule a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for left foot and left ankle disabilities due to the lack of current diagnoses.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and several knee disabilities. The Veteran's VA treatment records from Little Rock VAMC are to be obtained, as well as any recent VA treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current lumbar spine disability is related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot disability, variously diagnosed, to include bunions, calluses, hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis and capsulitis, NOS, of the 2nd metatarsophalangeal joint.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent prior to January 1, 2011 and denied higher ratings. From January 1, 2011, the Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his bilateral pes planus.,Extraschedular consideration was not warranted for the period prior to January 1, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 50 percent for bilateral pes planus from September 27, 2018 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete opinions regarding his right ankle and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for right ankle strain with ventral calcaneal spur and bilateral pes planus, finding that no earlier pending claims existed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and pes planus due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, bilateral pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for a right ankle disability and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations in adjudicating his claim. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right ankle disability.