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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus resulted in pronounced flatfoot disability with marked pronation, tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, and inward displacement of the tendo Achilles on manipulation. The VA examiner found that orthotics did not help and there was moderate to severe pronation bilaterally. A 50% evaluation for bilateral pes planus is granted prior to April 14, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to a lack of current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral leg and foot disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability, including numbness, is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disability (depression), a foot disability, a skin disability, and a post-operative residual scar from excision of melanoma. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated. The case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's left foot disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service and no continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left flat foot was incurred in service and granted service connection. The right flat foot, GERD, and IBS were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The case will be reviewed after further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not related to service, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service and post-service treatment records do not support an etiology link.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a left knee disability status post surgery. The flat feet/foot disability (pes planus) was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for left foot disability, right knee disability, low back disability, and cervicitis. The Veteran's current left foot disorder is not related to her period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for her left ankle/foot disability other than a fifth metatarsal fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding whether any of these disabilities are related to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left foot disability, including as secondary to his right foot plantar warts. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to incomplete medical records and the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, a skin disease, lung disorder, left foot disability, ulcers, and an eye disability were denied as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions at the time of his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and plantar fasciitis are service-connected, with no presumption applied due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran is seeking an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of his condition, and he may also be entitled to service connection for a left toe disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records and a need for further consideration of the claim, including the June 2011 QTC VA examination.