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

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records from VA and private sources.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for flat feet and higher initial ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with IVDS, allergic rhinitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and status post right thumb fracture.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bunions was rated at 30 percent effective from October 21, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected bilateral feet and right fifth metacarpal disabilities, granting a TDIU on an extra schedular basis prior to June 1, 2010.

The Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction. The claim for special home adaptations is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for heart disability, right knee disability, and right plantar and calcaneal spurs. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service noise exposure leading to current tinnitus, but no direct or presumptive link between his current heart disability and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of an injury to the right foot. The Veteran's left knee and lumbar spine disabilities are pending, as is his claim for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board found insufficient evidence to establish service connection for the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, lung disability (asthma), and bilateral foot disability. The claims were denied as there was no probative evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be considered, including obtaining a VA examination and determining whether there is evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not result in such needs.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 10 percent, and his PFB is rated at 60 percent. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The Veteran is also required to provide additional medical opinions on the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for callus formation, plantar surface, right foot and service connection for heel spurs, left foot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, tinnitus, and a right foot disability have been reopened. However, the evidence does not support these claims as they are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for ingrown toenails. The Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of a bilateral foot disability and increased ratings for left shoulder and low back disabilities prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action due to the submission of additional VA treatment records and examinations. The claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence, including the new examination reports.