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

The Board denied an increased evaluation for service-connected bilateral weak foot with plantar callosities, finding that the disability is manifested by flatfeet and mildly painful callosities. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have insomnia or bronchitis, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD), hearing loss, tinnitus, a groin disorder, and bilateral foot disability are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the likelihood that his bilateral ankle disability, pes planus, and bilateral shin splints are related to service. Any outstanding VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the competent clinical evidence of record is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in active service. For the other issues, including an increased evaluation for lumbar disc disease with history of scoliosis and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids, the decision is mixed due to some issues being granted while others are denied. The effective date issue regarding lumbar disc disease remains pending.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his right knee condition was denied because the evidence did not show a nexus between the current condition and service.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his pes planus with left ankle pain (left foot) was also denied because there was no evidence that the pre-existing condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed in a part-time capacity and capable of performing sedentary work.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis with pes cavus and hammertoes is granted. The other issues of service connection are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them at his hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests that the Veteran provide information about his treatment history, obtain a VA examination, and readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right and left ankle disabilities (osteoarthritis), and hallux rigidus have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. No further increased ratings are warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear relationship between current conditions and service, as well as potential aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of sufficient rationale in the previous VA examination opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral flat feet pre-existed service and were not aggravated by active service or related to a service-connected disability. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right foot disabilities are not related to his active service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for further development, including medical examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss, pes planus, and varicose veins.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, concluding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and noting that any current arthritis is more likely due to aging rather than military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has restored the appellant's 30 percent disability evaluation for bilateral weak feet, which had been in effect since August 2, 1952. The issue of evaluating pes planus with plantar fasciitis associated with weak feet is now pending and will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his alleged in-service stressors and determine if he served in Vietnam. The issues of service connection for diabetes, basal cell carcinoma, a bilateral arm disorder, a bilateral foot disability, eye disabilities, and hypertension will be reconsidered after further development.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent effective March 10, 2005. The Board finds that the disability more nearly approximates the criteria for a 50 percent rating and grants an increased rating of 50 percent for the period from March 10, 2005.