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

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus prior to February 25, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the disability picture warranted only a 10 percent rating.,From February 25, 2016 to March 15, 2016, the Veteran's disability picture more closely approximated severe bilateral pes planus and he is now granted a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's bilateral foot condition, including arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions, is rated at 50% from February 22, 2017. The appeal for higher ratings or service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis has been granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent, effective August 13, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for right foot pes planus and migraines, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.,For right foot pes planus, the evidence showed no aggravation beyond its natural progression during service. For migraines, there was no causal link to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The decision addresses increased disability ratings for various knee disabilities, service connection claims, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the December 2014 SOC, including VA treatment records from 2015. The RO needs to consider this new evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, vision disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension due to incomplete records from Balboa Naval Hospital and St. Luke's in Quakertown, PA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral leg disability, to include compartment syndrome, and a right foot disability, to include pes cavus, as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,For the period prior to November 9, 2016, his sinusitis was not compensably rated. For the period after November 9, 2016, a 30 percent rating is granted for sinusitis.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition and related scar are remanded due to lack of STRs and need for an examination to determine etiology.,The Veteran's back condition is remanded as VA needs to provide an opinion on the likely etiology of his current diagnosed back disability, including consideration of in-service duties.,The Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and need for addendum opinions.,The Veteran's flat feet are remanded because a VA examiner has not addressed whether preexisting flat feet were aggravated by service.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is remanded as the threshold for disability was not met in his previous examination. The issues of right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are inextricably intertwined.,The Veteran's right hand middle finger laceration residuals are remanded due to potential missing records from hospitalization during service.,The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss is remanded as the Veteran asserts an increase in severity since his last VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's periods of active duty for training and associated treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot disability, bowel incontinence, urinary incontinence, and bilateral hand disability. The reasons given are that there is no current disability found by VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches, a left knee disability, and right and left foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's statements and medical records will be reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her conditions. The issues include toe fungus, growths on the bottom of feet (hyperkeratosis and plantar warts), restless leg syndrome secondary to PTSD, and body tremors/twitchings secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus as there was no evidence of an increase in severity during active duty, and the Veteran did not meet his burden to show aggravation.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the listed conditions have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in a written statement.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, which was initially rated noncompensable and later increased to 30 percent effective December 14, 2011, is granted. The condition is characterized by pain and discomfort aggravated by prolonged standing and walking, partially relieved by orthotic inserts.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the issues of service connection for sleep disorder, hypertension, and increased rating for bilateral foot disability prior to August 20, 2013. The Veteran's current 50 percent rating for her bilateral foot disability is maintained.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and referral to the Director of Compensation Service. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU prior to July 10, 2014, on an extraschedular basis is also referred.