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

The Veteran's service-connected right and left foot disabilities have been rated at 30 percent since June 19, 1996. The appeal is granted for the period prior to March 9, 2007, and from May 1, 2007.

The VA determined that the Veteran's skin disorder other than pruritus ani is not related to his military service, including as due to exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence of a connection between current dermatological conditions and his time in service.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized as moderate prior to January 13, 2010, and moderately severe since then, is currently rated at 10 percent.

Since service connection became effective November 30, 2005, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus has met the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with the exception of his request for a TDIU. The conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis warrants a 10 percent disability rating for each foot, reflecting a moderate disability.

The Veteran's left ankle and left foot disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with the liver disability not found to be service-connected. The right foot disability is denied.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for plantar warts, depression, and bipolar disorder have been remanded by the Board due to his failure to appear at a previously scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a vasectomy and bilateral foot disability, to include plantar fasciitis and pes planus, have been granted. The evidence supports the presence of current disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus with tarsal syndrome. The case will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his representation and scheduling a hearing before a Decision Review Officer (DRO). The issues are whether he should receive an increased disability rating for bilateral pes planus with osteoarthritic changes and chronic lumbar strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, low back scar, and plantar fasciitis of both feet. The claim for increased rating for tinea pedis is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and his tinnitus is not related to service. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, plantar fasciitis, left ankle condition, left wrist condition, morphea scleroderma, sinus condition, and eye condition are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and left foot disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preexisting conditions did not worsen during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to additional evidence received since April 2005. The issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus with degenerative joint disease of the feet and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder are pending.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability and a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year after service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disorder and the right foot disability as secondary to his left foot disability. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right foot disability was also denied.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for bilateral cataracts, status post surgery, was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.