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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's chronic sinus disability is granted as service connected, and her pes planus is denied an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service connection claims, including a possible secondary service connection claim for his right foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began, effective from when his disability was first service-connected. The rating is based on symptoms of severe flatfoot with extreme tenderness and pain.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability, including allergic dermatitis and xerosis cutis, is confirmed. The Board also granted service connection for this condition. Other issues are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral acquired flat feet and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete development of records, including a missing VA examination report from April 18, 2011. The Veteran is asked to provide additional information about his treatment and employment status.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, knee disability as secondary to the foot disability, and ankle disability as secondary to the foot disability. The Veteran's preexisting pes planus did not increase in severity during service, so the presumption of aggravation does not apply. The Veteran's current hammer toes are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was not granted a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss or chronic otitis externa, and the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to lack of substantial evidence regarding his employment history.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, right foot hallux valgus, and PTSD. Service connection was denied for a left foot disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation beyond natural progression during service and that the pre-existing condition did not worsen as a result of military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus results in tenderness of plantar surfaces of feet and symptoms not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. The Board has granted a 50 percent rating effective April 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a bilateral foot disorder other than pes planus have been reopened, with the new evidence showing that these conditions may be related to his military service. The claim is granted in part.

The Board has determined that the November 2013 VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining additional service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran's lay statements are also considered in determining whether his pre-existing bilateral flatfoot condition was aggravated by military service.

Service connection for elevated cholesterol, generalized arthritis, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, left leg disability, right leg disability, and bilateral foot disability is denied.,Service connection for psychiatric disability and insomnia is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot disability, but has remanded it due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also facing another issue with his right hand that needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensable ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a rating of 50 percent for adjustment disorder and a TDIU rating. The effective date is not specified.

Service connection granted for bilateral pes planus and bilateral shin splints, to include as secondary to bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's hearing loss is not compensable, and tinnitus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 10 percent rating.