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

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, specifically plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome, have been rated at a noncompensable level for the right foot and a 10 percent level for the left foot. The current evaluations are considered appropriate based on the severity of symptoms reported by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left foot pes planus was not aggravated by service and did not have an increase in disability. The Board also determined that his current left ankle, knee, and hip disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hypertension, skin condition, foot disability, ankle disability, knee disabilities, and leg disabilities. The VA will provide examinations and seek medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair as a normal mode of locomotion.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and low back disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and adjudicate the issues.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for additional examination and review due to the need for a VA neurologist evaluation regarding its relationship to service, including his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his bilateral flat foot disability remains pending and is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability, including pes planus, is due to her service in basic training and thus granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, plantar calluses, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability (strain) and left ankle disability are not service-connected as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeals period.,Bilateral pes planus was pre-existing but did not worsen due to military service. The Veteran has been granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess her left knee disability, bilateral foot disorders, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of her right foot, right knee, and back disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and found that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is related to his active military service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as it was not fully addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for stroke residuals and erectile dysfunction, but denied service connection for left foot callus. The Veteran's stroke residuals are related to his in-service carotid atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol levels. His erectile dysfunction is linked to his in-service high blood pressure and cholesterol readings. However, the left foot callus is not considered service-connected as it did not manifest during service or due to any service-related factors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and reviewing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 50 percent from September 11, 2010 to the present.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service, thus denying service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his disability has not approximated the criteria for 'pronounced' flatfoot.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches, blurred vision, and pes planus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is pending as additional development is needed.