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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 10 percent since January 24, 2007. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral pes planus prior to January 10, 2006 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability has more nearly met the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating ever since January 10, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his foot disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection on multiple conditions, including bilateral plantar fasciitis of the feet, bilateral shin splints, onychomycosis of the toe nails, sinusitis, prostatitis, residuals of a fracture of the right first and second metacarpals, bilateral osteoarthritis of the ankles, bilateral degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the knees, and ulcer disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability is related to her service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The cervical spine disability was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of increased ratings for plantar fasciitis and right foot bunion are in appellate status, while the issue of an earlier effective date for lumbosacral strain remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and right wrist and hand disability are not service-connected. The Veteran's pes planus is rated as 10 percent disabling, effective June 15, 2005 to January 17, 2006, and as 30 percent disabling from January 18, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral plantar fibromitosis was not incurred in or aggravated by his period of active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left foot disabilities were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized as weak foot with plantar callosities, warrants a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for pes planus and also denied his increased evaluation for a left knee disorder. The evidence submitted since the last final denial did not meet the criteria for new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's plantar fasciitis of the left foot does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left foot disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated examinations and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a cervical spine disability, headaches, right wrist disability, tinnitus, sinus disorder, and bilateral foot disability, were denied as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were granted, with the effective date being May 20, 2008.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's claimed disabilities to her service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with inversion is manifested by marked pronation, moderate tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, muscle cramping in the calves, and lack of improvement from orthopedic shoes or appliances. The Board finds that a disability rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with inversion has been met.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral flat feet and an unspecified respiratory condition (claimed as shortness of breath) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.