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

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is manifested by mild callus formation and corns, resulting in a 10 percent evaluation. The claim for service connection for PTSD due to personal trauma was not addressed properly as the Veteran did not provide detailed information about his alleged stressor event.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for his service-connected left foot disability, finding that no formal or informal claim was received prior to February 26, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine if there is a 50 percent or better probability that any of the currently diagnosed disabilities of the Veteran's right foot are etiologically related to her military service or were caused by her service-connected bilateral knee and right ankle disorders.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury and residuals of cold injury to the feet, finding no nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left foot condition and a skin examination to assess the severity of his right foot plantar warts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's plantar fasciitis, left foot; patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral knees; and right shoulder tendonitis are all related to his active military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis have been rated as noncompensable (10%) since August 7, 2006. The VA determined that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for left foot disability, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, and eye disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is manifested by a moderately severe foot injury with objective evidence of pain and tenderness, an altered gait, and callosities. The Board finds that the disability picture warrants a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, but the low back disorder and residuals of a cerebral concussion were not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The VA denied reopening the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus due to lack of new and material evidence, as no medical evidence was provided that the preexisting condition worsened during military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and related conditions are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot condition, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, heel pain syndrome, heel spurs, and digital corns of the fifth toe, is the result of aggravation during active service of pre-existing congenital conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an initial compensable rating for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, peripheral neuropathies, or erectile dysfunction are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at the maximum schedular level (30 percent), and his left sacroiliac joint strain is also rated at its maximum schedular level (10 percent). The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the feet, left knee, and right shoulder have been granted with initial ratings. The Veteran is not entitled to higher initial ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disability or left knee disability.