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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, deviated septum, sleep apnea, atypical left temple nevus, or residuals thereof. The Veteran's service treatment records are not associated with his claims file and it is presumed lost. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, sarcoidosis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), glaucoma, and chronic sinusitis are all service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for allergic rhinosinusitis, malaria, bilateral flat feet, and conjunctivitis. However, it denied reopening of the claims for TMJ, right shoulder disability, and other conditions due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's left foot disability, specifically plantar fasciitis and pes planus, was not rated higher than 20 percent from February 1, 2007 to January 3, 2014. From January 3, 2014 onwards, the maximum rating of 40 percent for actual loss of use of the foot is assigned.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for migraine headaches, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and residuals of a great toe injury are not service-connected as they are unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of current tinea pedis, and the preexisting bilateral pes planus and left ankle conditions did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities have been granted service connection with effective dates prior to February 7, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete attempts at obtaining private medical records and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral foot plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease have been rated at 20 percent since October 14, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has directed that the Veteran be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus and low back syndrome. The case is also remanded for clarification of the Veteran's address and rescheduling of the examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and therefore, cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as chronic strain with bursitis, originated during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, lung and spleen disabilities, anemia with Crohn's disease, G-6-PD deficiency, bilateral knee disability, traumatic arthritis of the left hip, pes planus, and generalized anxiety disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are productive of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, but no swelling or characteristic calluses. The disability most closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a rating of 30 percent effective September 14, 2015. The previous ratings were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus had an onset in service and is related to his active duty. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that he has current hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of service, but acknowledges noise exposure during service.