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

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be due to active military service, and he is granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to service, and his bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service. The appeal for service connection on these issues is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed disabilities of the feet and back are not related to his military service, including his in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings for bilateral pes planus and asthma were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for any of the requested increased evaluations.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at a 10 percent prior to April 9, 2015, and the Board found no evidence of more than severe symptoms warranting a higher rating. From April 9, 2015, the Veteran's condition has been rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his service-connected pes planus. The initial noncompensable rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs was increased to 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus and granted it, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his condition had its onset during active duty service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all of the issues on appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying claimed medical treatment. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, foot disability, eye disability, and back disability will be reconsidered after all requested development is completed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus was granted, but no higher than the maximum allowable under current criteria. The Board found that his symptoms were fully contemplated by the existing rating criteria and did not warrant an increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's MRSA is found to be at least as likely as not related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear etiology of the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine and right foot disabilities, as well as potential aggravation by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right foot disability, including status post bunionectomy and sesamoid excision with mild osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The service-connected pes planus is also rated at 10 percent. No higher ratings are warranted for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the potential for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot pes planus existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 5276. The disability is characterized by intermittent mild pain and no other significant functional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has been reopened, but the issue of service connection for low back disorder remains denied.,Service connection was granted for PTSD. The issues of service connection for bilateral toe disorders, sleep apnea, right thigh disorder, and erectile dysfunction remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of his claims based on the evidence.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left foot disorders are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions during or immediately following service. The VA examiner found that any current foot problems were more likely due to obesity and aging.