Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2010

The Veteran was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis during active service and has experienced continuous post-service symptoms. The weight of the competent evidence is at least in relative equipoise on whether her currently diagnosed right and left foot plantar fasciitis are related to the in-service diagnosis.,By extending the benefit of the doubt, the Veteran's disability manifested by lumbosacral strain is due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet and bilateral hammertoes, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions. The preexisting disabilities were not shown to have been permanently worsened by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is not entitled to higher evaluations as his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a 30 percent disability rating for his bilateral pes planus, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by her active military service. The evidence does not establish a medical nexus between her current painful foot conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot and shoulder conditions were denied. The claims for new and material evidence for left ankle condition and mild myopia with mild astigmatism, left eye, were granted.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 50% since April 22, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis release has been rated as noncompensable since August 1, 2004. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable rating based on current symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted military service and was not aggravated by it, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bunions, and a low back disability. The Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a foot disability, Hepatitis C, or right shoulder disability related to her service. The claims are denied.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are necessary to properly evaluate the appellant's service-connected low back and foot disabilities, as well as to determine if separate disability ratings for her right and left foot conditions are warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions, arteriosclerotic heart disease, hearing loss, dacrycocystitis, and other conditions, are of such severity that they preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are pending. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss is also pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right foot disorder is related to service or aggravated by a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's DM with retinopathy, cataracts, and proteinuria is currently rated at 10% disabling. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia and bone spurs, but remanded the case to the RO/AMC for readjudication consistent with a Joint Motion for Remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the wrists and hands, pes cavus with plantar fasciitis, and cervical spondylosis were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable initial evaluation (10%) for incomplete paralysis of the right upper extremity from July 22, 2006, and an increased initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for orthopedic manifestations of cervical spondylosis from July 22, 2006. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with a compensable initial evaluation (30%) effective March 10, 2008.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left foot disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.