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

The Veteran's hypertension, hepatitis B, and hiatal hernia with GERD are all rated based on their respective diagnostic codes. The rating for hepatitis C is changed to align with the correct diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of nonservice-connected pension benefits has been granted, with the effective date set at July 28, 2005. The Board found that this was the earliest date VA received his original claim for pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes is rated at 30 percent effective January 8, 2009. The claim for left foot Morton's neuroma was granted. Service connection for a low back disability and a cervical spine disability secondary to the service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes has been granted. No new and material evidence was received to reopen claims of service connection for headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus, or for an initial compensable rating for left shoulder osteoarthritis. His hearing loss was not related to military noise exposure, but his tinnitus is etiologically related to service. PTSD and chronic depression were not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain service department treatment records associated with the Veteran's military reserve service from 1994 to 1999, and all pertinent VA treatment records. The Veteran should be scheduled for an appropriate VA examination or review of the claims file by a medical specialist to determine whether her current bilateral foot disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which adequately reflects the severity of his disability based on the criteria provided in the rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and bilateral solar callosities with plantar wart on the right foot was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for bilateral pes planus, but not entitled to a higher rating. For the bilateral solar callosities, he is not entitled to any compensation as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim requires additional development and remands for further examination and consideration of his service connection claims.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a burn to the left hand and bilateral pes planus, finding no current residuals or aggravation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral flat feet is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and pes planus were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence/aggravation that would support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right hallux valgus is rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating. The Board finds that her disability picture supports this initial rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, tension headaches, and dizziness as secondary to his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between any current left foot disability and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's drug abuse is not service-connected due to its being a result of her own willful misconduct, and denied service connection for bilateral pes planus as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence it was aggravated during service.

The Veteran's headaches occur several times per month but are not very frequent or completely prostrating, resulting in a 30 percent disability rating.,The competent evidence of record demonstrates that the left foot heel spur, plantar fasciitis was characterized by pain and no more than moderate functional impairment of the foot.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and hemorrhoids do not render him unemployable, as his disorders are rated at the minimum levels for each condition. The Board finds that referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left fifth claw toe deformity with lesion and scar was first manifested during active duty service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted.