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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as there are no legal grounds to assign a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260. For ED, the RO has already granted service connection and assigned the minimum (zero percent) evaluation allowed by law.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher initial disability rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The claim of service connection for right pes planus has been reopened, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot disability, low back disability, and left knee disability. The Board found that the current disabilities were not related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as left foot plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's conditions are related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder and bilateral foot disabilities are not related to his service, including exposure to cold weather. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve impairment of the lower extremities, and a lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His heart murmur is not considered a disability for VA purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hallux rigidus and pes planus, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to show these conditions existed prior to service. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not present sufficient evidence of a nexus between his current foot disorders and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated as 40 percent, the bilateral pes planus as 30 percent prior to March 16, 2012, and PTSD as 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic skin disorder present in service, and concluded that the Veteran's current skin disability is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected plantar warts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service connected, as there is no competent and probative evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disability was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran has current diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is related to his military service. However, the knee and foot disabilities have not been evaluated due to lack of evidence or examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, diagnosed as rotator cuff tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left leg and left foot disabilities. His pes planus of the left foot has been rated at 20 percent since November 7, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) is granted. The right foot plantar warts with callus formation and left foot plantar warts are each rated at 10 percent, resulting in a combined rating of 80 percent. TDIU is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for a sleep disorder and the current severity of the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and left foot disabilities. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied. The other issues were not addressed as they are pending.