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

The Veteran's service-connected right foot plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board found that the evidence does not support a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it is primarily manifested by pain and decreased arches, which are already adequately addressed in the current 10% rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at a non-compensable (zero percent) disability rating from October 1, 2006 to June 23, 2010. Beginning on June 24, 2010, the disability is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, and any outstanding VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion, as well as the need to obtain private medical records.

The Board found no evidence of any in-service injury or disease related to the appellant's bilateral foot disability and concluded that it was not incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral pes planus and therefore service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected plantar warts and calluses, right foot, are manifested by severe foot disability warranting a 30 percent evaluation. The same is true for the left foot.

The Board has granted the extension of a temporary total rating for convalescence from December 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009 following a right foot surgery. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder and reopening of a left foot disorder have also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus presents an exceptional disability picture through marked interference with employment, warranting referral to the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating. The matter of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability is also referred.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by tenderness and pain on the plantar surfaces of the feet, inward bowing and spasm of the Achilles tendon, and painful manipulation. The Board has determined that a 50 percent disability evaluation for pes planus approximates the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was denied, while his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for pes planus prior to August 23, 2010 was granted (to 30%).

The Veteran's pes planus of the left foot is characterized by moderate symptoms such as pain and use of orthotics. The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right ankle and right foot disabilities are being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct further VA examinations, and consider the evidence in its entirety.

The Veteran's service connection for sleep apnea has been granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective from the date of award. The Veteran withdrew his appeals on several other issues including left wrist de Quervain's tenosynovitis, left shoulder bursitis, and earlier effective date for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, and IBS. Bilateral plantar fasciitis is presumed due to combat exposure in service. Tinnitus is presumed due to acoustic trauma in service. IBS is considered a presumptive disorder under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that his pes planus and right bipartite sesamoid bone are not considered disabilities for VA compensation purposes. The right plantar calcaneal bone spur was found to have its onset during active service but no other foot disability is shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral pes planus is related to his period of active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.