Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hallux valgus with plantar fasciitis and tendonitis of both feet, finding that the evidence did not show an increase in severity warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim. The Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus is considered aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for each foot's service-connected plantar fasciitis, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot disability, including plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritic changes at the metatarsal heads, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, a rating in excess of 50 percent for left hip total replacement, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of fracture, distal shafts of the first and second metatarsals, left foot. The Veteran was also denied a separate rating for nerve damage of the posterior tibial nerve associated with residual gunshot wound to Muscle Group X, left foot and ankle.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and development, including obtaining VA treatment records from May 2006 to March 2008 and scheduling a VA medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been manifested by pronounced symptomatology, including marked inward displacement of the tendo achillis on both feet that is painful on manipulation. The Board finds a 50% rating for the entirety of this appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral pes planus, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for major depressive disorder. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated as 10 percent disabling based on moderate acquired flatfoot symptoms. Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were not established due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is no more than severe, and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The decision also noted that his plantar warts have not required more than topical therapy.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claims for service connection for psychiatric, bilateral foot, right knee, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities. The appeals were denied as direct service connection was not established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar warts cannot be reopened as there is no new and material evidence presented.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, given his educational attainment and occupational experience.

The Board has ordered the VA to search for and reconstruct the Veteran's claims file, including obtaining any missing records from December 2001 to the present. The Veteran is also asked to provide copies of any relevant documents he may have.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial and higher rating claims for bilateral pes planus, left knee strain with degenerative joint disease, right knee disorder, anal fissure, and GERD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation for pes planus prior to February 28, 2008 or any higher evaluation thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for reopening the service connection for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and ensuring compliance with Kent v. Nicholson requirements.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and erectile dysfunction were shown in service and continue to be shown thereafter, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left leg or foot disability is not related to his military service and has denied his claim.

The Veteran's back disorder, foot disorder (pes planus), and bilateral ankle arthritis are all found to be related to his military service.