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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with left foot strain and degenerative joint disease of the right foot is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran is also in receipt of the maximum schedular disability rating for his service-connected Morton's neuroma. Therefore, the claims for higher evaluations are denied.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease and pes planus, with a 60 percent rating assigned for the period beginning May 4, 2007. The TDIU claim was also granted effective from May 4, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have an acquired psychiatric disability or a bilateral foot disability in service, and there is no evidence to support a finding of such disabilities being related to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is not manifested by the loss of use of either foot, and therefore does not meet the criteria for an evaluation based on the loss of use of the feet. The Veteran also does not qualify for an extraschedular evaluation due to lack of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if he has any additional disability as a result of the care provided by VA in connection with his calcaneal fracture.

The Board found that the Veteran's complaints of foot pain and a chronic neck disability were not related to active service, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The preponderance of evidence did not support granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has been withdrawn. The claims of service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder including asthma and seasonal allergies, and for a right hand disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disability, bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and meningitis. The evidence does not support the presence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board granted service connection for flat feet and found it had onset during active service. Service connection was denied for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his service-connected right wrist, right elbow, and hypertension disabilities. The left foot condition remains under investigation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or entitlement to a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the April 1968 rating decision is cumulative and redundant, and does not relate to the reason the claim was originally denied. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus cannot be reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle motion limitation is granted, and his right and left foot disabilities are each rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a right foot disability. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran developed a right foot disorder during active service or that any current right foot disability is related to his period of military service.

The Board has awarded service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination in determining whether the Veteran's left ankle and foot disability is related to his period of active service. The claim will be reconsidered after a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's active service and his claimed disabilities, including bilateral small plantar calcaneal spurs, allergies, and gastrosophageal reflux disease. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his right knee disability claim and denied all other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for lumbosacral strain was withdrawn. The bilateral pes planus issue resulted in a finding of entitlement to a 30 percent evaluation, but not higher. The effective date for service connection of the left ankle disability was determined to be October 8, 1996.