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

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of chronic knee or foot disabilities during service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of such disabilities due to service. The Veteran's left foot disability may be considered as a congenital defect aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, and therefore, he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of evidence, including determining precise dates of active duty training and inactive duty training. The appellant's claims for service connection remain pending.

The Veteran's death was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease related to herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back disability and bilateral plantar fasciitis was granted, with the effective dates being May 30, 2007, and May 20, 2008 respectively for the left lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current foot disabilities are related to his service or any qualifying period of Air National Guard service, including as secondary to his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board dismissed the case due to the appellant's request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the Board found that a higher rating for her chronic lumbar strain, coccydynia, left foot plantar fasciitis, right foot plantar fasciitis, thoracic neuritis, and eczema conditions were not warranted.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any preexisting bilateral foot disability, including whether it was aggravated by active duty service. The Veteran's claim for service connection is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of his current disabilities.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of October 11, 1993 for the assignment of a 50 percent evaluation for bilateral pes planus as this factually ascertainable increase in disability was shown during the year prior to his claim.

The Board has granted initial 20 percent ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right and left plantar fasciitis with heel spurs, effective from April 1, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was granted with an effective date of July 15, 1989. He is currently rated at 30% for this disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, bilateral foot disorder (pes planus), and bilateral knee disorders have been denied. His hypertension has been granted a compensable rating of 40%. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is not found in the decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, and low back disorder are found to be related to service. However, the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints or hypertension.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and granted service connection for bronchitis. The claims of service connection for bronchiectasis, GERD, hypertension, bilateral eye disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, right hip disorder, erectile dysfunction, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, or flat feet related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and the other issues on appeal. The Veteran's asthma was incurred coincident with her military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar calluses warrant a rating of no more than 10 percent each foot, based on moderate impairment. The appeal is granted as to both feet.