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

The Board found that the appellant's pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5276. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent was denied as there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for residuals of heatstroke and initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was granted a compensable rating effective January 23, 2009.,A compensable rating of 30 percent for the right heel disability has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service or aggravated by his flat feet, and whether any hallux valgus and degenerative joint disease of the metatarsophalangeal joints are due to flat feet. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, left shoulder disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, right and left knee disorders, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for separate service connection for a right foot disability and an increased rating for incomplete paralysis of the right sciatic nerve with contracture, flexion of right knee, secondary to paralysis due to gunshot wound of the right buttock. The evidence did not support the claim that the Veteran had a separate disability (to include a circulation disorder) manifested by discoloration and/or swelling of the right foot.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by painful calluses, metatarsalgia and hallux valgus with flat feet, is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5279. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral foot disability other than hallux valgus, but granted TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the threshold percentage requirements for TDIU.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current left hip disability or bilateral plantar keratomas to service, and denied both claims.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for headaches and a left foot disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a right elbow or right shoulder disability. The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling and limited ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods, results in moderate disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and plantar fasciitis due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his current conditions and military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease is secondary to his already service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to reassess his bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), right arm numbness, left arm numbness, a sleep disorder, and a heart condition are also being remanded as additional development is needed.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD has been recharacterized as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right arm numbness, left arm numbness, a sleep disorder, and a heart condition remain on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right foot disability. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU will also be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to determine the severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus and whether any claimed conditions are secondary to that disability.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to work during the period between May 12, 1997 and May 25, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, tendonitis of the knees, and ankle disabilities due to lack of current disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability but is unable to determine if he is entitled to service connection for his bilateral knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability remains unresolved.