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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with fracture of the right great toe has been granted a 30 percent disability rating, effective October 23, 2010.

The Board has accepted the Veteran's October 2007 substantive appeal as timely filed, allowing her to proceed with her claims for higher initial ratings for various service-connected disabilities. The effective date of these awards is set at November 1, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent since August 10, 2006. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied as the evidence does not show a pending claim or increase in disability within one year prior to this rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's foot disability, including pes planus and hallux valgus, was not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The pre-existing condition worsened over time due to natural progression of the disorder.

The Board has reopened the claims for low back disability, bilateral knee disability (right), and bilateral foot disability. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hip osteoarthritis is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral pes planus, left ankle disability, and sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to these conditions as a result of service.

The Board has reopened the claim for VA compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for postoperative bilateral bunionectomies, claiming these as a result of surgical treatment at a VA medical facility.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip disorder, status post hip replacement, is not related to his service-connected left knee arthritis and right foot pes planus. The evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus did not undergo an increase in disability during active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless or so disabled that he needs regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of left knee, right knee, and left hand scar. The remaining issues were not addressed due to withdrawal.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left foot disorder does not meet the criteria for service connection on a direct, secondary, or presumptive basis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left foot disability was not incurred in active service due to his AWOL status at the time of the motorcycle accident, and thus denied service connection.

The Board denied service connection for narcotic addiction as secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability and found no causal relationship between hyperkeratotic lesions on the plantar surfaces of both feet and service. The Veteran's claims for TDIU were also addressed in the remand portion, but are not included in this decision.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is clear and unmistakable evidence showing no increase in severity beyond natural progression during her periods of active duty.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence was received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee/shin disorder, and schizophrenia. As such, these claims remain denied.