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

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits is denied as he did not serve during a period of war, thus failing the threshold eligibility requirement.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is so severe as to preclude all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of diabetes mellitus type 2, PTSD, and schizophrenia. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, and further development as requested.

The Board dismissed the claims as they were not timely filed, and thus did not have jurisdiction to review them.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, right knee disability, environmental allergies, and lung disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis have been primarily manifested by pain on use of the feet, without evidence of severe disability such as objective evidence of marked deformity or characteristic callosities. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's disability rating for her service-connected bilateral pes planus was increased to 50 percent, effective May 15, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right wrist disability or GERD, and his bilateral foot disability to include pes planus and hallux valgus is not service connected. The claims for impingement syndrome with arthritis of the left shoulder and right shoulder are also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from SSA and VA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining STRs and attempting to obtain service personnel records. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of any current right foot disabilities.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals for increased evaluations of the residuals of shell fragment wounds to different muscle groups in his right arm and leg. The Board is dismissing these issues.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with secondary plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel component is manifested by marked pronation and inward displacement, but not by extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus did not increase in severity during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar ankylosing spondylitis, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and anxiety disorder NOS with pain disorder were denied. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability (cervical radiculopathy) and bilateral foot disabilities (corns, hallux valgus, and cold exposure residuals), finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back and left foot disabilities are not related to service, as there is no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease. The current conditions do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, thus denying entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, as his combined rating does not meet the schedular requirements and he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot, left ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities as well as bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.