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

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the February 1998 rating decision that denied service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, and he did not provide any evidence supporting his current disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus and chronic bilateral ankle strain were not incurred in or related to service. The Board found that the conditions are less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine traumatic arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for episodic tension headaches, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, and left foot disability are all granted. The issues of new and material evidence for the same conditions are also granted.

The Board found that the withholding and payment of agent fees to R. Lemley was improper due to non-compliance with VA regulations regarding representation, and thus denied the Veteran's appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and migraines are service-connected, with the preponderance of evidence supporting these claims. The remaining leg and foot disorders have not been fully addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and skin disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with callosities is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (mood disorder, lumbosacral strain, migraines, hepatitis C, right and left foot bunions, and pes planus) do not prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of lumbar spondylosis was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled hearing. A new hearing opportunity should be scheduled for him.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disabilities have been rated as 50 percent since January 25, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and readjudication of the claims.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral flat feet (pes planus) was reopened, and it is established that the condition preexisted service but worsened during service. The Veteran also has a higher initial rating for lumbar strain with degenerative changes at the L5-S1 levels, with lumbar disc disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen her claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability and the earliest post-service clinical evidence is more than eight years after separation from service.,The Veteran's right wrist disability (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability and the earliest post-service clinical evidence is more than three decades after separation from service. The Veteran does not have a history of surgery or in-service injury that would support this diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection is sought, and there is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for flat feet, Parkinson's disease, left leg disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU benefits.