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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to August 28, 2015.

All claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10% from March 1, 2009 to November 8, 2010. From November 8, 2010 to October 1, 2012, the rating was increased to 30%. The Veteran's condition improved between October 1, 2012 and August 23, 2013, warranting a 30% rating. From August 23, 2013 to July 29, 2014, the Veteran was granted a 30% evaluation for his pes planus.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, secondary to her hysterectomy was granted. The claims for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability were remanded.

The Veteran's GERD and cervical spine pain are granted service connection. The bilateral foot disability, right shoulder, knee, and ankle scars, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are all granted initial ratings of 30 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left knee and left foot disabilities due to incomplete development, failure to comply with special procedures for homeless veterans, and incomplete consideration of relevant evidence.

The Veteran's depression is secondary to his service-connected back disability. The issues of increased ratings for left wrist, lumbosacral spine, and left knee disabilities are remanded due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's type 2 diabetes and related diabetic retinopathy are granted as service-connected.,An initial rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus is granted.,Service connection for right knee, left knee, and right ankle disabilities is denied due to prior final decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for osteoarthritis/polyarthritis, cervical spine disability, and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate opinions from VA examinations. Further development is needed.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 17, 2010 for the award of service connection for bilateral flat feet. The Veteran's claim was submitted on that date and his foot pain had already manifested at that time.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of bilateral pes planus and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the grant of service connection for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, were denied due to lack of factual evidence showing an increase in disability within one year prior to January 13, 2016. The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to these decisions are also being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right and left knee conditions was granted with separate evaluations of 10 percent effective January 15, 2016. His intent to file a claim for these conditions on January 15, 2016 is considered the date entitlement arose.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral flat feet, which are currently considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right ankle disability, pes planus of the right foot, hammertoe of the right foot, and scars on the right foot are all rated as they currently stand without any higher ratings being granted.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding that additional development is needed to determine if any right foot condition is related to the removal of a wart/callus during service.

The Veteran's left finger fracture is not rated compensably, as the disability does not meet criteria for amputation or limitation of motion.,Prior to April 13, 2016, a noncompensable rating was assigned for his right foot fracture due to moderate malunion or nonunion. After April 13, 2016, he is rated at 10 percent for the same condition.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability prior to April 13, 2016, did not meet criteria for ankylosis, limitation of motion, malunion or nonunion. After April 13, 2016, he is rated at 20 percent due to moderate impairment.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability prior to April 13, 2016, did not meet criteria for ankylosis, limitation of motion, malunion or nonunion. After April 13, 2016, he is rated at 20 percent due to moderate impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to incomplete medical records from VA St. Louis Healthcare System for 1970 to 1993, and additional development is needed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed before July 23, 2012.,Service connection for a right foot disability and neck disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disorder and remanded his claims for increased rating of right knee strain and TDIU. The case is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee, ankle, and left foot disabilities. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot disorder, including bilateral pes cavus and plantar fasciitis, as the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his military service.