Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. His right foot scar claim is also being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and further development of his claims.

The veteran has bilateral ankle degenerative arthritis which is related to service. The Board grants the benefit of doubt in favor of the appellant and finds as fact that the veteran's current bilateral ankle disability is related to his service.,The veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability (degenerative disc disease status post cervical diskectomy). The Board grants the benefit of doubt in favor of the appellant and finds as fact that the veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for bilateral pes planus was denied as the evidence did not show marked interference with employment or require frequent periods of hospitalization. The claim for service connection for a right hand and arm injury is pending.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected plantar fasciitis of the left heel does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as there is no evidence of moderately severe impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability is related to his service-connected right foot disability, and granted this claim. The bilateral hip and leg disabilities are not found to be secondary to the service-connected right foot disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hallux valgus and an increased rating for right ankle strain, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, the highest schedular rating available. The veteran's complaints of foot pain have been consistent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, sinus condition, bilateral shoulder condition, hearing loss, tinnitus, low back condition, and knee condition as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including proper notification to the veteran and obtaining medical records. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for left foot disability and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The veteran was not granted service connection for hepatitis B due to lack of chronic residuals, while his bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral pes planus is granted at a 10 percent level. The adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression also meets the criteria for an initial 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a postoperative scar on the left foot at the third metatarsal head, but denied service connection for a plantar wart of the left foot.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, but denied it on the merits due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's statements regarding aggravation during service were not considered new and material.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a rash in his groin area, a bilateral ankle and foot disability (clamed as soreness and cracking), and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite and a higher initial evaluation for bilateral pes planus (flat feet). The veteran was not provided adequate VCAA notice in this decision.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate notice and because of the need for a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and palmar pitting porokeratoses were denied, while his claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was granted with a 50% rating effective April 23, 2005.