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

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, and the Veteran's statements were deemed less credible. The claim for bilateral pes planus was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for pes planus were denied. The claim for service connection for pes planus is pending due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina and requesting Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left foot and toes disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to May 12, 2009, and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent beginning May 12, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing flat feet did not increase in severity during service, and therefore, service connection for bilateral flatfoot is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back, right knee, and flat foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow the RO to consider additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was granted, as it had its onset in service and is related to his reported combat experiences. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and for updated VCAA notification.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, a disorder of the lower extremities (including pes planus), allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The claim for right shoulder impingement syndrome is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot and right rib disabilities. However, it is unclear whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, finding no evidence of chronic conditions during active service or a continuity of symptomatology since separation.

The Board found that pes planus did not exist prior to military service and was not aggravated by it, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, including pseudofolliculitis barbae and flat feet.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated by service, and he is granted a compensable rating for his nummular eczema. The other claims are not addressed in detail.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic skin disorder of plantar keratoderma and chronic scleroderma are service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for acne, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and bilateral flat feet were denied.,There is no indication that any of these conditions are service-connected or related to exposure to specific environmental factors.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was found to have preexisted service and is not considered aggravated by active duty. Therefore, the claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current foot disabilities are etiologically related to service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's suicide was not caused by any service-connected conditions, and denied claims for service connection for cause of death.