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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a staged rating of 10 percent prior to February 24, 2004 and 30 percent from that date. His postoperative bilateral inguinal hernias were each granted a staged rating of 0 percent prior to March 30, 2009, and 10 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased schedular ratings for his service-connected left ankle disability and bilateral foot disability, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board also remanded other issues related to these claims.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his case.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus and dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for post-concussion headaches. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by his second period of active duty, so he cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is rated at 20 percent, representing a partial grant of his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic left hand disability in service and his current carpal tunnel syndrome is not related to any in-service condition. For the foot issue, the VA examiner opined that the plantar fasciitis is not likely related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's service connection claim for posterior tibial tendonitis of the bilateral feet is denied. The reduction from a 30% to a 10% evaluation for residuals of status post L4-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with degenerative disc disease was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that his symptoms have remained constant and did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a neck injury, left foot disability, and low back degenerative changes. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left foot disability and initial ratings for his right distal tibia with residual soreness and mild left knee patellofemoral syndrome, as there was no evidence of more than slight impairment in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for bilateral pes planus, left great toe bunionectomy residuals, and right hallux valgus was denied. The current rating of 30 percent is the highest available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for pes planus, finding that no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for arteriosclerotic heart disease with congestive heart failure and bilateral pes planus, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to address whether the service-connected left foot disability aggravated the Veteran's right foot disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for pes planus, finding that no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot disability did not manifest during service and is unrelated to his period of active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left leg and left foot disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.