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

The Board has determined that the appellant's preexisting bilateral pes planus was made permanently worse during her initial period of ACDUTRA in June 1990, and therefore service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board found that the Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as her daily personal needs are met by herself.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral pes planus is denied as the earliest date that service connection may be awarded is June 14, 2000.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hand disability, nervous condition (depressive disorder NOS with anxiety disorder NOS), and left knee strain have been granted. The claim for pancreatitis is considered 'unknown' as it is not addressed in the decision.,The Veteran's right hand disability and bilateral pes planus were reopened and granted service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is manifested by symptoms of, at most, moderate pain on use and palpation. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of current right wrist, ankle or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected xerosis with chronic pruritus and eczema is rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular benefit. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral onychomycosis and bilateral flat feet.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability, characterized by symptoms such as pain with manipulation and motion, decreased ankle dorsiflexion due to Achilles tendon pain, an altered gait after walking, and indication of swelling on use, more nearly approximates the criteria for a moderately severe foot injury. A 20 percent initial disability rating is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot, ankle, and knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his period of active duty. The preponderance of the evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus was rated at 50% since August 29, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma is granted as it can be presumed to be related to his presumed herbicide exposure in service. The claims for bilateral pes planus and bone spurs of the feet are remanded for VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,Service connection granted for bilateral foot and knee disabilities, with the latter being secondary to the former.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated appropriately at 10 percent, his bilateral knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and his back disorder is not related to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has remanded the case for further action consistent with a Court decision, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The appeal is now pending and will be heard at a later date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current foot, knee, and back disabilities and his service-connected right ankle injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disability, hallux valgus of the feet, tendonitis of the knees, and pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, to include as due to herbicide exposure, did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service. The Veteran's hypertension was also denied based on lack of evidence linking it to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to address the severity of his service-connected gout and osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes, right ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus. The RO must also ensure that all claims are readjudicated in light of all evidence.