Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The leg disability other than peripheral neuropathy, pes planus and restless leg syndrome was also not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing. The appeal is also remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's left foot plantar fibroma excision scar warranted a 10 percent rating, as it was painful but not unstable. The current rating of 10 percent is considered adequate to rate the disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Veteran's moderately advanced osteoarthritis changes of the right great toe are rated at 10 percent, effective from November 14, 2007. His bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 17, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and his claim for a TDIU rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected pes planus of the bilateral feet with plantar fasciitis has been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5276. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's foot disability was at worst pronounced, with severe pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, lack of improvement by orthotic appliances, and accompanied by functional loss bilaterally.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches, both of which are found to be related to his service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.,The Veteran is also service connected for right arm and hand numbness and flat feet, both of which are found to be related to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of the reasons and bases as to why his plantar fasciitis, bilateral hallux valgus, bunions, and/or hammertoes were not distinct and separate manifestations entitled to separate disability ratings.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, right foot disability, left foot disability, bilateral toe disability, and cellulitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus, right knee arthritis, chronic left knee strain, and arthritis of the lumbar spine are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection is denied for all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is service-connected due to exposure to ionizing radiation. Her bilateral plantar fasciitis and left hip osteoarthritis are both granted initial disability ratings, but the rating for her left hip condition was not increased beyond 10 percent.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and likely etiology of the appellant's claimed bilateral foot disability, including verification of service periods and duties. The case is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent, effective September 1, 2007.