Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for glaucoma and bilateral foot conditions was denied. However, his claim for service connection for a combined condition of bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus and hammer toes was granted effective June 15, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and outstanding VA treatment records. The appellant's claim for service connection for bilateral foot and ankle disabilities is pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, hypertension, and Type II Diabetes Mellitus due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for renal glycosuria and diabetes mellitus were denied in November 1988. The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied by the Board in November 1989, which became final. New evidence received since these decisions is not considered new and material.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and her military service.,The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of Bartholin cysts are not related to her military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of any current bilateral knee and pes planus the appellant may have. Specifically, a VA orthopedic examination is required to address whether the disability (left knee) clearly and unmistakably preexisted service; whether the disability increased in severity during the appellant's active service; if so, whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the disability was not aggravated beyond the natural progression during or as a result of service; and alternatively, whether it is at least likely as not that the left knee caused or aggravated his claimed right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability, as it does not provide new and material evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to be not aggravated by service, and his mechanical low back strain and right knee disability were both denied as secondary to service-connected left ankle fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus did not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture warranting a higher rating on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and bilateral plantar fasciitis are service-connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, as well as increased ratings for sarcoidosis and lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for dental trauma with loss of teeth and pes planus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that resulted in current disabilities. The preponderance of the evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions regarding his claimed injuries.

The Veteran's foot disability and bilateral hearing loss were evaluated, but the RO found that neither condition warranted a higher rating than what was initially assigned.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of bilateral ankle sprains, right knee disorder, and bilateral pes planus have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,Service connection has also been granted for chronic obstructive sleep apnea, but the claim remains pending as new evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea with bronchial asthma is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6847. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis does not meet any specific criteria for a separate rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for talipes cavus/foot deformity and an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus. The case will also be reviewed to determine if entitlement to a TDIU is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral foot disorder, finding that her conditions were not due to disease or injury incurred in active service.