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

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left foot plantar fasciitis and residual scar, status post fracture left tibia with tibial fixation were denied. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU is REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's incomplete loss of sense of smell is directly caused by his service-connected nasal fracture, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of left foot third toe nondisplaced fracture was denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and triceps tendonitis, right arm (claimed as right shoulder rotator cuff) were also denied. Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and low back disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending before the Board.

PTSD and TMJ ratings remain denied.,Residuals of musculotendinous tear, right calf, and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis have initial disability ratings denied.,Effective dates for PTSD and TMJ service connection are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current foot disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is a residual of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury is granted. However, there is no evidence to support a separate claim for service connection for a left foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus. An addendum opinion will also be obtained from the examiner who conducted the September 2014 ankle, knee and leg examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability, which is currently rated as 30 percent disabling under DC 5276, has not resulted in pronounced disability with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. Therefore, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a back disability, including as secondary to the foot condition. The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete personnel records and unclear current diagnoses.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the decision on the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected foot disability can be made. The case is therefore REMANDED to allow for such development.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be a chronic disability that manifested within one year of discharge from active service, meeting the criteria for service connection. The claims for asthma, left knee and left foot disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the May 2008 VA medical examination is inadequate and additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination for bilateral flat feet, is needed. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise trauma in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right heel fracture and resulting pes planus are not considered to be due to VA care, thus denying compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.