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

The Board has determined that the current record is insufficient to determine the nature and etiology of any current foot disability, and therefore remands the case for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his request for a hearing. The case is now pending and will be scheduled for a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis and chronic bilateral posterior tibial tendonitis has been rated at 30 percent since September 22, 2008. The VA examiner found that the symptoms more closely approximate a disability picture warranting a higher 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating prior to May 3, 2012. From May 3, 2012, the disability was rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including macules on the tongue, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis, a heart disability, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndromes, bilateral pes planus, and psychiatric disabilities. The decision found no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent for his bilateral plantar callosities with right hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy and club toe, effective from June 25, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus did not worsen during his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed low back, right foot, left foot, and vision disabilities as they were not shown to be related to active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was found to cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent evaluation prior to August 3, 2010.,For the period beginning August 3, 2010, the Veteran's major depressive disorder caused reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left calcaneal plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur and Achilles enthesitis is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected status post right hand tendon repair and for service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent effective November 5, 2009. The other issues were either denied or not addressed in the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back or bilateral foot disability that is attributable to his military service and thus denied both claims for service connection.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.,A 10% evaluation for epilepsy was granted, effective March 6, 2007. A 20% evaluation was granted beginning May 16, 2007 and ending December 31, 2010.,An initial evaluation of 10% for headaches was denied.,A 10% evaluation for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus was continued.,Service connection for schizoaffective disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder/ depression) was granted, and a TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and flat feet prior to July 17, 2010 were denied as there was no evidence showing that the conditions warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's foot disabilities are currently rated as non-compensable, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on current medical findings.

The Veteran's appeal involves a request for an increased rating for her service-connected left foot and ankle disability. The case is being remanded to provide clarification on the range of motion, clarify whether she has hallux valgus, and determine which symptoms are due to her service-connected injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and a chronic right shoulder disability, was granted. The Veteran also received increased evaluations for his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral flat feet with bunion deformity of the left great toe and residual scars was denied, as the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability. The reduction in his disability rating from 10 percent to noncompensable was found not to contain CUE.