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

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 have been denied as no new or material evidence was submitted to support the presence of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability, low back condition, and bilateral pes planus. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability. It also determined that bilateral pes planus preexisted service and did not increase in severity during service. Finally, it concluded that a low back disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus/plantar fasciitis/hallux valgus was rated at 10 percent prior to June 30, 2010. Beginning on that date, the disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein. As a result, the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at a 10 percent disability rating, the lowest possible under the applicable diagnostic codes.

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

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the RO has not provided a higher evaluation for tinnitus and has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, left hip disability, left foot disability, and PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's asymptomatic flat feet were noted at entry, but they worsened during active service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral leg and foot disorder, to include weak legs and bilateral pes planus is denied as the veteran failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and right foot bunion (postoperative) have been granted initial noncompensable ratings, with the effective date of October 9, 2008 for the right foot bunion.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorders are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and the claims for plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee disability, and back disability are dismissed due to withdrawal of appeals.

The Board has granted increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, gout of the right great toe, and several forms of joint dysfunction. The effective date remains pending as it is not specified in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a podiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability, to include pes planus, was aggravated by his military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, which preexisted service and was aggravated during service, meets the criteria for service connection. The psychiatric issue is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right foot disorders. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and laxity with internal derangement are currently rated at 20 percent each, while hypertension is not service-connected. The bilateral foot disability has been granted as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated during her military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of bilateral pes planus and erectile dysfunction. The issues remain pending as the Veteran has not been provided with a statement of the case (SOC) on the rating claim.