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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The issues include service connection for flat feet, jungle rot of the feet, bilateral knee disability, and back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral pes planus, limited motion of the left ankle, and limited motion of the right ankle were denied by the Board. The RO had previously granted service connection for these conditions but did not provide ratings in excess of those assigned.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis resulted in moderate impairment beginning September 18, 2008. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the period from April 16, 2002 through September 17, 2008 and assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective September 18, 2008.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as tinea and onychomycosis, was found to have been incurred in service. The claim for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is pending.

The Veteran's hepatitis B, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gallstones have been granted service connection. The initial rating for hepatitis B has been increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple lipomas, bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis, pes planus, and calcaneal spurs), and chronic sinusitis have been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and a right foot disability are also being reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, calf disorder, and thigh disorder. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of bilateral pes planus. It also determined that there was no current diagnosis or link between the claimed disorders and active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran is seeking an effective date prior to November 9, 1994 for a 10 percent evaluation for service-connected residuals, excision, plantar wart, left great toe. The Board denied this claim as there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability that occurred before the date of receipt of his increased rating claim.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral pes planus warrants a separate 10 percent evaluation. The claims for reopening service connection for neck, back, and right knee disorders are granted, but the claim for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, degenerative joint disease of the ankles, peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis of the shoulders, and hypertension, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have increased in severity during service, warranting service connection. However, there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is a need to obtain additional medical records and for further consideration of the Veteran's claims. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and learning disability claims are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right foot disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing injury during service resulted in current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective November 1, 2004, the date of his service connection for a psychiatric disability. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is set at this time as it meets the threshold requirements for a schedular TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left ankle disability are being remanded to the RO due to further development needed. The claim for service connection for pes planus and neck, upper and lower back disabilities is also pending.