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

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's foot disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation records and scheduling an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's large posterior plantar calcaneal spur of the left heel does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is not related to his military service or his service-connected disabilities. The right foot disability was remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of his conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition that increased in severity during service. The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of both knees has been rated appropriately, with separate ratings assigned for each knee effective February 27, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and a back disability, was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations and opinions regarding his bilateral heel disorder, flat feet, and skin disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case on his claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fibromatosis with onychomycosis and mild hallux valgus of the right foot, as well as readjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, PTSD, and service connection for dysthymic disorder/depressive disorder. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability and assigned a 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's left heel spur claim was also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and thoracolumbar strain are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the left foot disability claim, and his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disabilities (PTSD) were not found to be related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's current right foot disabilities, including Achilles tendon bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and a right heel spur, are found to be related to his service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for flat feet is dismissed due to his withdrawal. The right wrist disability was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected plantar fasciitis of the left foot is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is not service-connected, and his left ankle sprain disorder does not warrant a higher disability rating. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders, pes planus of the feet, and low back disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hallux valgus of the right and left feet.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including whether it is related to service or due to undiagnosed illness. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his disabilities.