Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2007

The Board found that the September 1990 rating decision contained clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for bilateral pes planus due to a failure to consider medical records from the period of service from 1987 to 1990, which showed an increase in symptoms and disability. As a result, the claim is granted.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims of service connection for a back disorder including spondylosis of the lumbar spine and bilateral pes planus, finding that new evidence did not relate to facts necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the veteran's pes planus was aggravated during her military service.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent since December 14, 2000. The current rating is maintained as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran's right and left foot plantar fasciitis with Achilles tendonitis have been rated at 10 percent since January 2003, but prior to that time no increased evaluations were warranted.

The veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and bilateral plantar fasciitis were granted, with the low back disability receiving a higher rating of 40% effective August 1, 2006. The left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the low back disability was also granted but at a lower initial rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging examinations to address the veteran's claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis and pes planus. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service medical records and a need for an examination regarding the veteran's pes planus.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected foot and spine disabilities do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent or a compensable rating for his left foot disability, based on the evidence showing no significant functional impairment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis of the right foot was denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to her period of active duty.,The veteran's claim for service connection for status post splenectomy due to a splenic cyst was also denied, with the VA examiner stating that the cyst and surgery were not related to her time in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, residuals of a head injury, and low back disorder. The claims for flat feet, asthma, and rheumatic fever were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is service-connected, as it was initially demonstrated during service and continues to exist post-service.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability as secondary to his service-connected right leg disorder. The medical evidence supports the veteran's claim, with multiple opinions linking his current foot disabilities to his service-connected right leg disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral hallux valgus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran's pes planus was aggravated during her active duty service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for right foot pes planus was denied. The current disability rating of 30 percent is the highest available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the veteran failed to submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection for pes planus. The case is being remanded for further action.