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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his adjustment disorder, right shoulder tendinitis, right arm radiculopathy, cervical spine condition, pes planus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, degenerative disc disease at C6-7, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been granted increased ratings. The initial evaluations for these conditions are now 10 percent each.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further action, including scheduling a DRO hearing and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and bilateral pes planus have been granted service connection, with the latter receiving a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic sinus disorder, bilateral pes planus, and hypertension. The Veteran's conditions are presumed to have been incurred during periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's disability rating for bilateral plantar calluses with painful plantar warts was increased to 30 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral pes planus was denied as he failed to report for the scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot disability, pes planus with degenerative arthritis, did not warrant an increased evaluation as it was of moderate severity and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability claim records. A supplemental medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's pes planus was aggravated during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for flat feet and service connection for right knee condition, finding that there was no current disability or evidence of a causal relationship to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete examination reports and lack of notification.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left foot disability that is related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the onset of degenerative joint disease in the Veteran's feet, which were previously examined. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disability and a sleep disorder, concluding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating were more nearly approximated and granted this rating.

The Veteran's hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and pes planus were evaluated by the Board but found not to meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus and sinus disorder are not service-connected, as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's endometriosis and bilateral ankle/foot disabilities were incurred during her active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, a VA examination for his service-connected anxiety reaction with depressive features and pes planus, and consideration of whether he should be entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed conditions and denied his claims for service connection.