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

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, is service connected as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. His bilateral foot disability is also service connected. The RO reduced the rating for his low back disability from 40% to 20%, effective July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and schedule him for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities and the etiology of his headache condition.

The Board has granted service connection for calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis of both feet, with a noncompensable (0%) rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess her service-connected knee conditions and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis and initial compensable ratings for hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity. The issues of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity are REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active service or due to a service-connected disability. The VA examinations indicated these conditions were more likely related to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and bilateral foot disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his military service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service did not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for non-service-connected pension benefits due to insufficient active duty and lack of a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's pre-existing left foot disability, including pes planus with degenerative changes and osteomyelitis, was permanently aggravated beyond the natural progression of the disability by his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current folliculitis is incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The other issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service, and there is no evidence of a current ankle condition related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat foot (pes planus) and plantar fasciitis. The remaining issues of service connection for left knee condition, hypertension, myocardial ischemia/infarction, right knee arthritis, sleep apnea, and left shoulder condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis began during service and have persisted since then, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to effectively preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment for which the Veteran's education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by plantar warts/calluses and hallux valgus deformity, is rated as moderate with a 10% evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus based on aggravation during active duty, and denied service connection for a heart disorder due to lack of evidence showing worsening during service.

The Board has granted separate 10 percent ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis under Diagnostic Code 5284, which is the current rating criteria for flatfoot.