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

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, and requesting authorization to obtain Hanger Clinic records. The case will be returned for readjudication.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The pre-existing TBI is found to have been aggravated by active duty service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability and to clarify the etiology of his claimed bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability has been granted and rendered moot, thus dismissing this claim without prejudice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing due to his failure to appear at the scheduled date. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, with symptoms relieved by arch supports, more nearly approximates a moderate disability level.

The Veteran's pes planus is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The right ankle sprain issue was granted service connection.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis is manifested by pain and tenderness over the plantar aspect of the foot, limiting his ability to stand for long periods. The Board has determined that a higher rating under DC 5284 (foot injuries, other) is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability to include hypertension was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted, thus denying the reopening of his claim. His right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent due to marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions, and the evidence does not support service connection for any of her claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 10% disability rating for scars of the forehead and chin was denied. The claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including PTSD with depression, were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as a residual of an in-service head injury (claimed as TBI). The remaining claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with calcaneocuboid tarsal coalitions and equinovarus club feet preexisted service but was aggravated by active duty. The gait disorder claim is also addressed, considering both direct and secondary theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left plantar fasciitis and herpes are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus disability was aggravated by active duty service, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus, shell fragment wound, left hand scar, and neck scars did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and conducting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee and right foot disabilities. The claim will be readjudicated after all relevant evidence is considered.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left foot disabilities have been rated at 20 percent for the entire rating period from March 5, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were consistent with moderately severe foot injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right heel disability warrants a 20% rating, but not higher. The right ring finger fracture residuals have been rated as zero percent since November 30, 2003.