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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is rated at the maximum available evaluation of 10 percent, effective May 4, 2006. His service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's left foot disability, specifically post-surgical residuals of left foot calcaneus fracture with short extensor muscle tear, metatarsal dislocation and traumatic arthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service, or by a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, back disability, and foot disability are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the inability of VA to arrange for a VA examination as he is incarcerated. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and a left foot condition, secondary to his pes planus, are service-connected. The Veteran is granted a compensable evaluation for migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed left hand, left elbow, tonsillitis, bilateral pes planus, and Achilles tendon disabilities as they were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's eligibility percentage for educational assistance under the Post 9/11 GI Bill is granted at 100% due to meeting the criteria of having served on active duty for over 30 continuous days and being discharged from service due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records from various VA facilities and off-site searches at Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current diagnosis of hearing loss or foot disability. The right clavicle rating was found to be appropriate at 10 percent. The tinea versicolor ratings were also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including hammertoes and pes planus, was aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's right hand disability was incurred in service and is granted. The appeal for left foot, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities is REMANDED.

The Veteran withdrew from her appeal all claims except for the claim of increase for panic disorder. The Board dismissed these claims as withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for bilateral pes planus was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of moderate or severe pes planus during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, a gastroesophageal disorder, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of post-service manifestations of hearing loss or any current diagnosis of bilateral pes planus, and thus did not meet VA criteria for disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and a chronic left ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation, and concluding that any current disabilities were not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims of service connection for right foot and skin disabilities, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, effective May 19, 2010. The claim for higher ratings for the right knee and back disabilities is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral flat feet, and chronic low back strain are all found to be related to his military service. The claim for increased disability evaluation for the lumbar spine is granted.