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

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations at a correctional facility.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for heel spurs due to new and material evidence. However, it has denied both her claims of service connection for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as there is no current disability or etiological link between these conditions and her active military service.

The Veteran's current left foot condition, including a bunionectomy and scars, is considered to be at least as likely related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's eligibility for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and flat feet, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and in-service treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disorder, to include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, pes planus, and fungal infection, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected sino-rhinitis was denied as the evidence did not show more than six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with resultant neuroma and left ganglion cyst disability is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot condition was aggravated by service, and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The issues regarding his bilateral eye conditions and sleep apnea are referred back to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated as 10 percent, but no higher. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to questions regarding whether the Veteran's current ankle and foot disorders are related to service, including pes planus.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent prior to December 2006 and increased to 10 percent effective from November 2004. The Board granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from November 2004.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for VA pension benefits was denied as the evidence did not show he was permanently and totally disabled prior to November 1999.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected foot conditions and right ankle pain. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA decision and supporting documents, conducting an examination regarding current back and foot disabilities, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case on nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's pes planus, cervical spine disability and hypoglycemia (claimed as syncope) are service-connected. The other conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral pes planus (flat feet) preexisted service and was not aggravated therein, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, specifically plantar fasciitis with heel spurs, is currently rated at 10 percent for each foot. The appeal has been granted and the initial evaluations have been set.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his sinus, right elbow, right knee, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to a material change in the disability.

The Board has determined that the current 30 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus does not adequately reflect the appellant's level of disability, as his condition is currently characterized by improved symptoms with orthopedic shoes or appliances.