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

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome and bilateral plantar fasciitis is denied as the earliest date of entitlement to a rating is December 30, 2011.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral heel spurs and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to new evidence indicating that the Veteran's symptoms may have worsened. The cases are being remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining employment history.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and updated treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot disorder, including flat feet. The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus (flat feet) is a congenital defect and therefore not subject to the presumption of soundness upon entry into service. The Board also concluded there was no evidence of permanent aggravation beyond natural progression by service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder. The Veteran's claim of service connection for gastric ulcers was also denied.,Service connection for PTSD was not granted due to lack of verified stressors.

The Board dismissed the claims for chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, which he claims is related to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with herniated disc, L4-5. The issue has been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 30 percent from July 1, 2010 to September 6, 2016. The extension of the temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery is granted until May 7, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukemia has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis/bone spurs and tinea pedis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied in a June 2009 rating decision and is not reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux, to include as secondary to PTSD, has been reopened with the submission of new evidence. The appeal is granted to this extent only.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in a July 2013 rating decision and is not reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened with the submission of new evidence. Service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been granted as it is presumed related to his service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his current diagnosis had an onset during service. The issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's current disabilities are being reviewed, but no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus was denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% disability rating, which is required for pronounced pes planus. The current 30% rating adequately reflects her condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus as there was no increase in severity of the pre-existing condition during service, and the evidence did not support aggravation.

The appeal of the denials of service connection for various conditions due to herbicide exposure is dismissed. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea are not service-connected.,Service connection for a psychiatric disability (depression) secondary to lumbar spine disability is remanded. The Veteran currently meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability manifested by residuals of a cold injury as new and material evidence was not received, and thus the claim cannot be reopened.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was granted a 40% rating from November 30, 2009. The effective date is set to November 30, 2009.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, left fourth cranial nerve dysfunction with diplopia, and bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus, right foot, and residuals of bunionectomy due to additional evidentiary development being required.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.