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

The Veteran's pes planus has been manifested by pain with minimally decreased arches, without objective evidence of weight-bearing lines over or medial to the great toes, inward bowing of the tendo Achilles, pain on manipulation and use of the feet, marked deformity, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities, marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, or marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo Achilles on manipulation. The current disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with a current rating of 30 percent. The claims for bilateral pes planus and low back disability were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his heart disability.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the buttocks has been denied. His claims for heart disability, pes planus, cold weather injuries of the feet, and residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right foot are pending.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms approximate a moderate disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has denied service connection for a right eye disability and is currently examining the issue of service connection for bilateral foot disabilities. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of flat feet, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's reports of continuity of symptomatology since his second term of service were credible and supported by medical evidence indicating a link between his military service and the development of this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have increased in severity during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The right foot fracture residuals are not currently established as a separate disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 7, 2010 and after April 7, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's plantar fasciitis and pes planus were incurred or aggravated during her service, with resolution of all reasonable doubt in her favor. The Veteran also had headaches and sinusitis diagnosed as chronic disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for right ovarian cyst and uterine fibroid.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including hypertension, bilateral foot disability, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, ankle and leg disabilities, and diabetes mellitus. The case will be re-adjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg and foot disabilities were aggravated by service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to evaluate the current nature and extent of his bilateral foot disability, including an opinion regarding the relationship of sesamoiditis to service or to the service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis. The AMC/RO will also obtain complete copies of the Veteran's U.S. Army Reserves records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a foot disability to include bilateral talus spur and arthritis was granted. The appeals for left knee disability, left shoulder disability including as secondary to service-connected cervical spine disability, and an increased rating for headaches were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus and fractures of the right and left feet, is being remanded due to inadequate examination report. The case will be readjudicated after a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the acquisition of outstanding medical records. The issue remains on whether he should receive an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral flat feet.