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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not service-connected as the condition existed prior to his entry into service and did not increase in severity during service. The Veteran's hypertension, which required medication for control, does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur, left foot is currently manifested by severe tenderness of the bilateral plantar fascia and a mild bilateral antalgic gait. The Board finds that an initial evaluation of 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis has been met.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for an effective date of September 26, 2003 for the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus. The remaining issues regarding earlier effective dates have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including the submission of new medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The appellant's claims will be reconsidered after this is done.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected and was not caused by his service-connected bilateral claw feet. The non-healing neuropathic plantar ulcer, right first toe, status post partial amputation, is service-connected as secondary to the service-connected bilateral claw feet. Bilateral ankle instability is also service-connected as secondary to the service-connected bilateral claw feet.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability. However, after reviewing all evidence of record, including testimony, the Board determined that there is no evidence linking either claimed disability to active service or service-connected disability.

The Veteran claims service connection for left and right foot disabilities, which developed during basic training. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was not incurred in or aggravated by her service-connected left knee disability and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board is remanding the case to allow the Veteran to request a local hearing before the Board, and to consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent effective April 29, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for pes planus of the left foot was denied. The RO also determined that service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities were not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are denied as there is no evidence to support the assertions of secondary service connection or a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD. However, as the stressors claimed by the Veteran have not been verified, his claim cannot be granted. The Veteran's sleep apnea is also denied due to lack of in-service incurrence or occurrence.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be related to her military service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left foot plantar fasciitis remains pending as the Veteran wishes to withdraw her appeal on other issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence received since the June 2001 rating decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of the claims and does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating any of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran claims service connection for a right foot disability, which he contends was caused by an injury sustained during active duty in 1966. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his current right foot condition.