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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral flat feet condition did not increase in severity during his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected bilateral pes planus on and after April 5, 2007.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis was granted service connection, while his low back and left hip disabilities were denied. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right foot disability, left foot disability, low back disability, and psychiatric disability (conversion reaction). The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to adjudicate the service connection claims, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is found to be due to his period of service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, tinnitus, right wrist degenerative joint disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a right wrist scar, are considered in determining whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting bilateral flat foot disorder was aggravated during service. The VA examiner must provide an opinion on this issue, and additional private treatment records are needed for review.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased rating for bilateral pes planus with DJD, service connection for emphysema and COPD, as well as Raynaud's disease. The case is remanded to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disability and edema/itching of the arms and ankles (to include spider veins) have been denied. The available STRs are negative for any findings, complaints, treatments, or diagnoses related to these conditions.,There is no current clinical evidence of blistering of either foot or a skin condition affecting the arms.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus was denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was determined to be July 22, 2009. The claim to reopen for dermatitis with vascular changes is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the Veteran's claimed left shin and left foot disabilities, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is manifested by complaints of pain, redness, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, and swelling. The Board finds that the criteria for a 30 percent rating have been met due to mild pronation, pain on manipulation, tenderness, and a mildly abnormal gait.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot disability, secondary to his service-connected knee disability, is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of the requested ratings or benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's IBS with abdominal pain has been granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent rating. The Board finds that the Veteran's left hip, low back, neck, bilateral foot, and bilateral elbow disabilities may be related to his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella was found to be incurred in service, with the Board granting service connection. The issue of what evaluation is warranted for bilateral calcaneal spurs with plantar fasciitis from June 15, 2007 remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot and right great toe disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his service, including any in-service assault. As a result, he is denied service connection for all of these conditions.