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

The Board denied service connection for viral conjunctivitis, a right foot disorder, a right elbow disorder, and residuals of a head injury, to include a left eyebrow scar. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence presented.

The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for bilateral pes cavus as of August 19, 2008. The Veteran's symptoms prior to this date were characterized by pain and tenderness in the feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss, right and left foot disabilities, ulcers, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disability, PTSD, or an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is insufficient to establish a nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active military service or periods of ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the claims of service connection for a bilateral foot disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his right foot disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle, knee, and foot disabilities are related to his period of active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot disability and whether it is related to service. The examiner should also assess if there are current left foot and/or back disabilities that may be due or aggravated by the right foot disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, but these issues are still pending as they have not been decided on their merits yet.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to be moderate, with calluses on her heels and first metatarsal areas. The Board determined that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The July 1979 rating decision denying service connection for bilateral pes planus was found to be final and not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.,An earlier effective date of December 23, 2002, for a 30 percent disability evaluation for pes planus with plantar warts has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an effective date earlier than February 16, 2009 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus and his claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a bilateral knee condition. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension and increased rating are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records, including those from private doctors. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the severity of his candidiasis of the feet with tinea pedis and hyperhidrosis, as well as whether he meets the requirements for SMP at the aid and attendance or housebound rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there was no evidence of more than moderate impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities, and updating the rating assigned if necessary.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the inadequacy of the VA examination in determining whether the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service. The case is now pending further development and review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral calcaneal spurs and bilateral pes planus are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right great toe hallux valgus, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by pain, swelling, fatigability, and lack of endurance, is currently rated at 50 percent under DC 5276 for acquired flatfoot. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran requested a hearing and withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs and atrial fibrillation, status post congestive heart failure as well as an earlier effective date for service connection prior to August 21, 2006. The Board dismissed these issues due to withdrawal.