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

The Board is remanding the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, including whether separate ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the acquisition of updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was aggravated by his active military service, and thus he is entitled to service connection for flat feet.

The Veteran's pes planus of the right foot is found to have been incurred in service, and service connection for this condition is granted. The issues regarding nerve damage of bilateral feet and legs are also addressed, with a determination that these conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and pes planus have been rated at the maximum available disability rating of 30 percent. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher evaluation.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder with headaches, left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral foot disorder have been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hallux valgus and an initial compensable rating for her service-connected anemia. The decision found that there was no evidence of aggravation during service, and the current symptoms are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including callosities and fungus, is related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before deciding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral ankle condition due to flat feet.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle and left foot disabilities. The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 5271. The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 20 percent based on moderate severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, low back disability, and iliotibial friction band syndrome of both knees. The criteria for an extraschedular rating were not met in any of these cases.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus did not have onset during service and is unrelated to any injury, disease, or event of active service origin. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's left foot disorder is found to be proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically the residuals of a left knee replacement and plantar fasciitis in the right foot. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining service medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a bilateral ankle disorder and an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and a neurological disorder of the bilateral lower extremities, including polyneuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was found to be aggravated by active service, while his current neurological disorder is considered to have been caused or worsened by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and will seek additional evidence before making a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral calcaneal spurs and bilateral plantar fasciitis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, but his preexisting pes planus was aggravated during service.