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

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee and right ankle disabilities, as well as his request for an increased rating for right foot pes planus, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board will consider these issues after further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the anatomical loss or use of both feet, one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes, or render him permanently bedridden or helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. Therefore, his claim for SMC based on the need for the aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Veteran does not have a current right hip disability, and the evidence does not establish service connection for any of his other claimed conditions. The Board finds that there is no basis to grant service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and hammer toe, right elbow fracture, and right hand fracture are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA rating criteria. The appeals for increased ratings have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection was granted, with a 60% rating assigned for residuals of right knee replacement since May 1, 2010. The Veteran is also entitled to TDIU from May 1, 2010 to July 14, 2014.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dislocated ribs have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated by his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability did not have its onset during military service or is otherwise related to such service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities was remanded and will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's GERD has been present since active service and the Board finds that it is related to service. The bilateral foot condition, diagnosed as pes planus (flat feet), was not shown to be acquired during service but rather congenital in nature.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, loss of vision, stomach disorder, deviated nasal septum, left and right pes planus, respiratory disorder to include asthma, and left ankle disability. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are not attributable to service.

The Veteran's left foot condition, specifically plantar fasciitis, is found to be related to his service and granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot disorder, finding that the current disability is related to service due to chronic issues in the left leg and foot.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, manifested by cold sweats, had its onset in service. The bilateral foot disability (pes planus and plantar fasciitis) was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The bilateral knee disability was not incurred in service, nor is it due to a service-connected disability. The hearing loss disability of either ear was not incurred in service. Tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for flat feet and a psychiatric disorder, but denied the remaining issues. The Veteran's claim for hypertension was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. His bilateral foot disorder is not considered service-connected, his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also not service-connected, and he does not meet criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by active duty. The major depressive disorder remains at a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for medical examinations to address the Veteran's flat feet and low back disability claims. The earlier effective date claim is also inextricably intertwined with a CUE claim.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left knee pain, and bilateral ankle sprains were denied as they are not related to service. The claim for increased evaluation of migraines prior to March 4, 2013 was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not service-connected as it pre-existed his second period of active service and did not worsen beyond the natural progression during that time.