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

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot and right knee disabilities were not incurred in or related to service, thus denying her claims for service connection.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, bilateral arm disability, bilateral knee disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), bilateral foot disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), obstructive sleep apnea, and GERD. The grants of service connection are based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and needs additional opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left foot disability and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination and issues being inextricably intertwined.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any foot disability. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has been rated at 70 percent since September 12, 2016. The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and his right and left foot plantar fasciitis are not etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's right hand Dupuytren's contracture is not etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. His left hand Dupuytren's contracture also does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for his right knee, bilateral hearing loss, deviated septum, pes planus, or hammer toes.

The Veteran's claim for total disability due to individual unemployability is being remanded as the Board found that his service-connected bilateral pes planus alone did not meet the criteria for a TDIU. The Court held that the Board erred by failing to provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases, and requested further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect. The Veteran suffered a cerebrovascular accident in November 2016, which limits his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the right knee disorder, dermatophytosis, and pes planus are being remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining any relevant medical evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disabilities, right and left foot disabilities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected knee strains. The Veteran's current hip and foot conditions are not considered service connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and incomplete examination report. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle and foot disabilities is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities do not render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not related to his period of service. The low back disability is also not linked to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 10 percent for each foot (left and right) with plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis, effective March 1, 2012. The evidence supports the assignment of these ratings based on moderate symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral vestibular disease (vertigo) and denied service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic disability of the fallopian tubes. Service connection was also granted for ovarian cysts.

The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and other conditions. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for right foot disability and right knee disability. The Veteran's testimony in a July 2017 hearing provided sufficient information to establish an in-service injury, which is considered direct service connection.