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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus was granted a noncompensable rating prior to December 8, 2011, and a 10 percent rating from that date. The Board found the condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to verify her Reserve service and obtain all outstanding medical records, including from the Birmingham VAMC and UAB Hoover Health Center. A VA examination will be conducted to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by a disability picture that approximates moderate flatfoot, where the weight-bearing line is over or medial to the great toe with pain on use of the feet. Therefore, an initial compensable evaluation (10%) for bilateral pes planus is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced on whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressors, and concludes that he does.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent.,Service connection for tinnitus and migraines were both granted. The Veteran is not shown to have pes planus or flat feet.

The VA has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with history of pes planus warrants a rating of 30 percent, effective August 18, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable, and the Board finds that she is not entitled to a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, including flat feet and acne vulgaris. The cause of death was determined to be an intracranial bleed.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent, with an additional 10 percent for limitation of extension. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has a separate rating.

The Veteran's pes planus disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left foot pes planus and plantar fasciitis are related to his active military service, with consideration given to the aggravation of these conditions by his service-connected right foot disability. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for plantar calluses (claimed as plantar warts) is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and bipolar disorder, remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim to restore service connection for weak foot (pes planus), bilateral, was denied by the Board in November 1958 due to clear and unmistakable error. The evidence did not clearly and unmistakably show that the pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, pes planus, headaches, hypertension, and dermatitis.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated during service, while his sleep apnea is considered a direct result of service. The decision on the issue of service connection for sleep apnea is pending further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and for further development of his claims.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5276 for a pronounced flatfoot disability.

The Veteran's pes planus of the right foot with valgus deformity and calcaneonavicular coalition was found to have been aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,Service connection for posterior tendon dysfunction of the right foot was granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is causally related to his military service. However, the Veteran's flat feet and bilateral ankle disability were not found to be service-connected.