Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2006

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and migraine and tension type headaches, finding that these conditions are related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral pes planus warrants a 30 percent evaluation, and his bilateral hallux valgus (bunion) disability warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The current evaluations are granted.

The Board found that the veteran's left foot disability, manifested by pain and tenderness on the base of the first and second toes, does not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service, and therefore service connection is granted for this condition. The issue of an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder with depression remains pending.

The veteran's left ankle disability, which includes a fracture and pes planus, is currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence does not support an increase in the rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of his temporary total rating beyond April 30, 2000 due to a lack of evidence showing continued need for convalescence following surgery in November 1999.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected bilateral pes planus, along with his bilateral calcaneal spurs and early bilateral plantar fibromitosis, are all directly due to in-service foot injuries. The primary symptoms associated with these residuals include chronic pain, which result in an inability to rise on the heels or squat, and inability to walk or stand for protracted periods. With resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant, a 30 percent rating is granted for his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple joint arthritis, including arthritis of his feet, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine condition. The evidence did not support a finding that the current foot conditions were related to any aspect of the veteran's active duty.

The Board found no relationship between the veteran's military service and his subsequent development of bilateral foot disability, thus denying the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability (pes planus) and low back disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions as they are found to be related to active duty.

The veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral pes planus was incurred during military service and thus, service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his heart disorder and pes planus, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hallux valgus and pes planus valgus did not develop during service, as they were present prior to entry. The VA examiner concluded there was no increase in severity of these conditions during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral pes planus or flat feet, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the hearing loss claim and concluding that the pre-existing pes planus did not increase in disability during service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus did not warrant an increased rating, as there was no clinical evidence of marked deformity or swelling on use.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been reopened. The RO must now review the complete evidentiary record and undertake any additional development if necessary.

The veteran died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His service-connected conditions did not cause his death, and there is no evidence that PTSD caused the suicide.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for bilateral pes planus or bilateral plantar fasciitis with plantar spurs, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no medical nexus between any current disabilities and service.