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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a compensable rating for left elbow olecranon bursitis. The remaining conditions are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were so severe as to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since October 27, 2009. The Board has determined that the evidence of record demonstrates this and affords the benefit of doubt to grant a TDIU effective October 27, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the concurrent grant of service connection for other foot conditions, and the need to reassess his disability ratings for all affected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for CRSC designation of his right foot plantar fasciitis is dismissed. A compensable rating (10%) is granted for the residual scar from the right plantar release surgery.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, right knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The claims for low back, left ankle, right ankle, and flat feet disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service-connected polyneuropathy is also being evaluated.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and requests further investigation into whether the Veteran's bilateral foot disability existed prior to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, left arm, and residuals of sun poisoning to the head and upper arms disabilities have been denied. The claim for a left foot disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have at least as likely as not prevented her from engaging in substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2011. The Board finds TDIU is warranted as of November 21, 2011 based on the evidence currently of record.

The Veteran's plantar callosities and warts are rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as they do not meet the criteria for deeper or more extensive scars.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of chronic pneumonia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted. The claims for pes planus, bilateral hammertoes, and sinus disability are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for bilateral shin splints and bilateral plantar fasciitis with tendonitis, finding that neither condition presented an exceptional or unusual disability picture with related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral flat feet, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during military service.,The Veteran's right eye keratoconus with exotropia status post keratoplasty was remanded due to reported worsening symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Board has decided that the evidence is insufficient to determine if the bilateral plantar keratosis was incurred during active duty or training, and thus remands for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any identified foot disorder, including whether the Veteran's service-connected back disability caused or aggravated his bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board affirms the grant of a clothing allowance for a back brace used by the Veteran for his service-connected back disability, but denies the claims for topical cream and TENS unit.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle condition/surgery, bilateral foot condition, throat surgery residuals, and TBI have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to these conditions that began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea was reopened and granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral pes planus and metatarsalgia is set at March 11, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral foot condition as there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.