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

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, including calcaneal bone spurs and plantar fasciitis, were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected disability. The claims for secondary service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's pes planus with equinus and whether it pre-existed service or was aggravated by service. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for updated VA treatment records, as well as a new examination of the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus from August 26, 1993 to June 2, 1999 was denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability, characterized as metatarsalgia and tailor's bunion with intractable plantar keratosis, is related to his active duty military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, cervical spine, left shoulder, and right foot disabilities. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should receive VA examinations to address his claims for service connection, as the July 2006 examination is inadequate. The case is REMANDED for these examinations and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral flat feet is granted, as new and material evidence has been received since the last final denial in September 2003. The condition is considered to be a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, right ear hearing loss disability, and left ear hearing loss disability are all found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted service connection for shin or hand disorders, but his TDIU claim is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by her active military service. The right and left knee disorders are secondary to the bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, a left knee disability, and a right knee disability. Service connection was also granted for pes planus (flat feet). An initial evaluation of 10 percent is assigned effective January 10, 2007.,The Veteran's pes planus is found to be aggravated by his service-connected plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and bilateral solar callosities with a plantar wart on the right foot do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed in part-time construction laborer work.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected residuals of a cerebrovascular disability, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for the left calf stab wound scar effective October 5, 2010, and a 30 percent rating assigned for the status-post muscle laceration of the left calf. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's stress fracture of the left tibia is rated at 10 percent, and his pes planus and plantar fasciitis of both feet are each rated at 10 percent. The remaining conditions have not been rated higher.

The Veteran seeks service connection for pes planus, which was diagnosed during his military service. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of any current pes planus and whether it is related to service or aggravated by another condition.

The Veteran's pes planus with hammer toe deformity and hallux valgus of both feet are currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5276 for acquired flatfoot. The Board finds no evidence to warrant an increase in these ratings.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.