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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, back disability, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims of service connection for back disability and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's pes planus, left foot has been rated as 10 percent since May 2, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence supports a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's right and left foot plantar fasciitis were granted increased ratings to 20% effective July 8, 2014. The current disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability should be remanded due to inadequate examination and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, sleep apnea, and a below-the-left-knee amputation are not supported by the evidence of record. The claim for diabetes mellitus was previously denied in July 2005 and no new and material evidence has been received since then. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also previously denied but no new and material evidence has been received since September 1991. No increased rating is granted for chronic low back pain, chronic sinusitis with headaches, or a left varicocele. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or due to being housebound is not warranted. The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment for an automobile is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran contends his pre-existing condition worsened during military service, which is a form of aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims.

The Board incorrectly applied the law regarding the presumption of soundness for right pes planus, leading to a denial. The motion is granted on this issue and denied on left pes planus.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for bilateral elbow conditions. The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen claims for bilateral shoulder disorders, neck muscle strain, conjunctivitis, and hypertension prior to January 26, 2001. The Veteran's GAD claim is also granted, but with an effective date of August 20, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the Veteran's hearing request.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to his military service or noise exposure, and thus service connection is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining updated address information and scheduling VA examinations. The claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability has been rated at 30 percent since April 30, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with hammertoe deformities and heel spurs, finding that the Veteran's foot disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be decided. The Veteran should be provided a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and hammertoe.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from active service, and thus cannot be granted service connection under either presumptive or direct service connection provisions. The low back and foot disabilities have also been denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining post-service medical records from Darnall Army Medical Center and generating a formal finding of unavailability if these records are not available. The claims will be reconsidered after this development.