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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder. However, it did not reach a decision on whether these claims are well-grounded or meritorious.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral pes planus, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The claim for service connection for right Achilles tendon disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left lower extremity/left ankle condition (crush injury), and bilateral pes planus are all rated at the maximum available under their respective diagnostic codes. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for each of these conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn all pending appeals, including those related to lumbar spine disorder, bilateral pes planus, dizziness disorder with tinnitus, and tonsillitis. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's left plantar fasciitis has not been found to warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent, as his symptoms have not approximated moderately severe or severe.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability was evaluated at a 30 percent rating since November 28, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or closely approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination of the Veteran's feet. The Veteran is also asked to submit lay statements from himself and others who have first-hand knowledge of his foot symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 80%, which meets the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU. However, the weight of the evidence indicates that these disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical degenerative joint disease began in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and PTSD, as these issues were addressed in a separate REMAND portion of the decision.,Service connection was denied for left foot disability (residuals of injury) and right foot disability (residuals of stress fracture).,Cervical cancer was not shown during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no current disability related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet and remanded it to the RO. The issue of whether new and material evidence was received is considered 'mixed' as some issues are granted while others are not.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and assigned a disability rating of 20 percent effective from September 15, 2011. The Veteran's pes planus is rated at 20 percent prior to that date and the residuals of his left ankle injury are also rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's right and left foot plantar fasciitis were each rated at 10 percent prior to July 13, 2010. Effective July 13, 2010, the ratings for both feet have been increased to 30 percent.,A TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus was not aggravated during his period of ACDUTRA and denied service connection for this condition. The stomach disability claim was also denied as there is no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's in-service exposure and his current condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, back disability, right knee disability, and left ankle and foot disability, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. The Board finds entitlement to TDIU is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is related to his pre-existing condition noted during service, and thus meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's current foot conditions, including keratotic lesions of the feet, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral hallux valgus, are not related to his active duty service. The Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking these disorders to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to provide the Veteran's representative with proper notice. The issues of service connection for flat feet and a bilateral knee disability are inextricably intertwined, so they must be resolved prior to addressing any secondary claims.