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

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral pes planus and herpes simplex of the lip were denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, flat feet, and a skin condition are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board denied increased ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, bunionectomy of the right great toe with resection of the metatarsal head and degenerative changes, and bilateral pes planus with valgus deformity. However, an earlier effective date was granted for a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus as the condition was noted on entrance to service and there is no evidence of an increase in severity beyond natural progression.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was service-connected as it was aggravated by his military service. The rating for the lumbosacral strain was increased to 40 percent effective June 14, 2008.

The appeal is remanded to verify the veteran's periods of active military service and obtain any additional service treatment records.

The Board remands the case for a VA examination to determine whether the veteran's pre-existing pes planus disability was aggravated during active duty service.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher evaluation for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and a higher evaluation for residuals of bilateral frozen feet with pes planus were denied.

The veteran does not have a foot disability that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service; or that is the result of or proximately due to service-connected disability.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for the purpose of scheduling a Board hearing using videoconferencing techniques.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus, with associated hallux rigidus deformity, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, is rated at 50 percent, which the Board found to be the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left shoulder disability, bilateral pes planus, allergic sinusitis and rhinitis, and hypertension.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was denied, and the evidence received since the previous denial is not new and material to reopen a claim for service connection for pes planus.

The veteran's pes planus is manifested by a deformity, pain on manipulation and swelling. The Board finds that the schedular criteria for a disability rating of 30 percent, but not more, have been met.

The veteran was granted a 100 percent rating for his major depressive disorder as of March 26, 2007.

The case is remanded for additional development and readjudication of the veteran's claims.

The veteran's right foot intractable plantar keratosis is manifested by a recurring callosity, pain on palpation, aggravated pain on use, disturbed gait, and toe curling and pain. The Board granted an increased evaluation to 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, left foot hallux valgus, and right foot pes planus do not warrant ratings in excess of the currently assigned levels.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral flat feet, but not for a low back disorder. The veteran's myofascial pain syndrome is related to his active duty service, while sleep apnea, GERD, and memory loss are not.

The veteran's pes planus was related to service, and he is granted a temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery.