Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's preexisting pes planus was aggravated during his first period of active service, warranting service connection. There is no evidence to support a finding that asthma is related to service.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The issues of increased rating for diabetes mellitus and whether new and material evidence has been received for residuals of colon cancer are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, indicating satisfaction with the current ratings for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by objective evidence of mild pronation and pain, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was evaluated at a 30 percent rating since March 19, 2011. The VA examiner found that the condition resulted in severe symptoms including marked pronation, pain on manipulation and use, and swelling on use.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and therefore, denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and Parkinson's disease were denied, while his claim for a higher rating for rhinosinusitis with headaches was granted at 30%.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current foot disabilities, specifically bilateral plantar fasciitis. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board found that bilateral pes planus existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right plantar fasciitis is manifested by moderately severe disability, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the March 2002 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying the identity of non-VA providers.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a right foot disability. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including service records and post-service treatment records, the Board finds no credible evidence of a current right foot disability related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and new and material evidence, finding that no new or material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for diabetic retinopathy. The other claims were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA medical records, SSA records related to SSI benefits, and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral foot disability was a congenital defect that existed prior to service and had not been aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an additional VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left calcaneal plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur and Achilles enthesitis. The matter will be reconsidered after obtaining any post-service medical treatment records.

The claim of service connection for a right hip disability remains in appellate status.,The claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran sustained an in-service injury and now experiences continuous symptoms. Service connection was denied for bilateral flat feet due to lack of aggravation during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, bilateral hammertoe deformity with bunions and blisters, hypertension, and circulatory problems of the bilateral lower extremities.