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

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by vision problems, and presbyopia is not related to active service. For his bilateral foot disability, there was no evidence of injury or fracture in service, nor arthritis within one year post-service. Service connection could not be granted as the condition did not become manifest during service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service incurrence of symptoms, and a link between the two.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot, left foot, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities are all service-connected.,The Veteran's low back disability and cervical spine disability were also found to be service-connected.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability. The issue will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her claimed bilateral foot disability and neuropathy. The case will be reconsidered after these opinions are obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for nephrolithiasis and a compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a chronic respiratory disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the terms of the Joint Motion for Remand (JMR), which includes obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under VA rating criteria. The appeal for increased evaluation and CUE claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for PTSD and initial increased ratings for an arachnoid cyst on the thoracic spine, pes planus, and a low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities and a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The rating for bilateral pes planus remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a low back disability. The AOJ must issue a statement of the case with respect to the issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus, and then readjudicate the appeal based on all evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in the Veteran's address and for the opportunity of his appointed representative, Texas Veterans Commission, to submit argument or evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and was not aggravated by any in-service injury, event or illness. Therefore, it denied service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus increased in severity during service and is therefore aggravated by military service. The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability, however, did not meet the criteria for service connection as there are no records indicating a current disability or any link to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and arranging an orthopedic examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his back, ankle, and foot disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and TDIU as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at November 5, 2009. The Veteran's depressive disorder was found to be secondary to his left hip disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are properly adjudicated, including the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and bilateral flat feet were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for dysthymic disorder and bilateral flat feet are set at May 20, 2010.