Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder was remanded and is not addressed in this decision.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of current disability or a link to service. The Veteran currently has pes planus, irritable bowel syndrome, varicose veins, and hepatitis A.,The initial rating for the service-connected pes planus prior to April 5, 2007 was denied due to lack of moderate disability. After that date, it is rated as 10 percent disabling.,An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome beginning on May 9, 2011 was denied as the current disability picture does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The initial compensable evaluation for varicose veins, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity were both denied due to lack of evidence of persistent edema or other disabling symptoms.,Service connection for hepatitis A was denied as there is no current disability.,Hepatitis A currently has an effective date of the day following the decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an audiology examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

For the period from January 11, 2006 until September 24, 2008, the Veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus.,From September 24, 2008 until March 6, 2009, he received a 30 percent rating. From March 6, 2009 onwards, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for his bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus.,The effective dates of these ratings are January 11, 2006, September 24, 2008, and March 6, 2009 respectively.

The Veteran's claims for hyperhydrosis and plantar fasciitis were denied, as the evidence did not support higher initial ratings. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee scar and bilateral pes planus have been rated as noncompensable prior to the specified effective dates. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral foot disabilities. The skin disorder claim is remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot DJD and plantar spurs as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee and ankle disability, headaches as secondary to his cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). Service connection for residuals of a nose fracture and hypertension was denied.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service and VA treatment records, as well as National Guard and Reserve unit information. A VA orthopedic examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current foot disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, a new VA examination of her service-connected bilateral foot disability, and issuance of a statement of the case with respect to the issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for osteomyelitis of the left heel.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection of plantar fasciitis, psychiatric disability (depressed mood and major depression), sleep disorder, and cardiac disability were all denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was rated at 20 percent prior to July 19, 2011. From that date forward, the rating has been increased to 40 percent for degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his Schatzki ring and PTSD, finding that a rating in excess of 30 percent was not warranted from November 25, 2006 to March 5, 2008, and since March 6, 2008, the Veteran's Schatzki ring has not been manifested by a moderate stricture. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot and left knee disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, neck disability, tinnitus, left ankle and bilateral foot disabilities, and asthma. The decision also noted that there was no evidence of a current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a new VA examination and further development of her claim due to the need for a complete record upon which to decide her increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to the need to adjudicate his reopened service connection claim for left ankle and foot disability. The issue of whether he needs a brace to stabilize his hip will also be considered.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent effective July 7, 2010. The claim for increased rating has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and initial evaluations of various knee and eye disabilities to the RO for further development. The Veteran's right eye pterygium is currently rated as noncompensable, while his left shoulder impingement syndrome and patellofemoral syndromes in both knees are each rated at 10 percent.