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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a broken knuckle of the right middle finger, bilateral flat feet, speech impairment and stuttering, and bilateral hearing loss were previously denied in March 2011. New evidence received since that decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine and tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, including pes planus, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) is also being remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection with an effective date of January 1, 2001. The low back and right elbow disabilities, right foot plantar fasciitis, and left foot bone spurs are also granted with the same effective date. However, the claim for a right eyebrow scar was not filed within one year after separation from active duty, so it is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and a back disorder are inextricably intertwined, necessitating remand. The claims will be addressed after obtaining additional medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus on an aggravation basis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition worsened during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board denied service connection for pes planus of the right foot as it did not increase in severity during service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral flat feet, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus (including secondary to bilateral hearing loss) due to the death of the appellant.

The appeal for the right foot injury residuals, pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis is dismissed. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left foot disability is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances due to insufficient evidence showing that his knee braces, back brace, or custom shoe insoles caused damage to his clothing.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, right and left ankle conditions, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for a painful scar on the right upper back. The Veteran's claim was not established for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot, left ankle, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and right plantar fasciitis, effectively dismissing the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service. The RO is instructed to obtain updated medical records and request additional information from private doctors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected bilateral pes planus and to determine the appropriate rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, left ankle disability, and left tarsal tunnel syndrome, have a combined rating of 70 percent. The Board denied his claim for TDIU as he is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely as a result of these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral calcaneal spurs, and chronic headaches are granted service connection. The Veteran's pes planus (flat feet) and eye disability (sensitivity to light), and sleep apnea claims are remanded for further development.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with your claim as it is no longer relevant.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, hammer toes, metatarsalgia, and hallux valgus, is related to his military service. The Board finds that the presumption of aggravation applies to his pes planus during service, but does not find clear and unmistakable evidence showing no aggravation. The Veteran's bilateral hip disorder, erectile dysfunction, and migraine headaches are all found to be related to his military service. Neuropathy is denied as there is no diagnosis.