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

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current diagnoses of the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders and whether they are related to service. The low back disorder issue is inextricably intertwined with the bilateral flat feet issue, so it must also be remanded.

The Board has granted a 50% disability rating for bilateral pes planus effective April 10, 2013. Prior to that date, the Veteran's condition was rated at 10%. The increased rating is based on marked deformity and severe symptoms.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right ankle and foot disabilities are not related to his military service. The earliest post-service clinical evidence of these conditions is more than a decade after separation from service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is the same as his service-connected right ankle tendinitis with calcaneal spur and recurrent left ankle sprains with left leg neuritis and calcaneal spur, thus denying the claim for a separate rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development as the prior examination report was inadequate and did not address the impact of his service-connected disabilities in combination on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims of pseudofolliculitis barbae, left foot pes planus, and ankle disability are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled videoconference hearing. He has requested another opportunity to present testimony before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for additional medical examination. The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar warts are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability or symptoms.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee retropatellar pain syndrome with tendinitis, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and bilateral plantar fasciitis have been granted at a 10 percent rating each.

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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under VA regulations. The disability is manifested by no more than accentuated pain on manipulation and use, swelling on use, characteristic calluses, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, and inward bowing of Achilles tendon, producing functional impairment consistent with severe bilateral pes planus.

Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis) is denied as there is no evidence of such condition in service or related to service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as it was established during active duty and is not otherwise related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including hallux valgus and osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has degenerative joint disease of his bilateral feet and ankles. The claims will be adjudicated again based on the additional evidence.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus since February 19, 2013. The Veteran's disability is rated under Diagnostic Code 5284 (other foot injuries).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference Board hearing at the RO. The issues include service connection claims and initial evaluation requests.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on direct evidence showing his condition arose during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral pes planus, service connection for seizure disorder, and service connection for disability manifested by bilateral calf pain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of these conditions.