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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot pes planus, right knee disability, and left knee disability are being remanded due to incomplete examination reports and the need to obtain additional evidence including Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient records and considering all evidence received since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and associated nerve impairment were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia and bone spurs is currently rated at 30 percent, effective May 14, 2009. The VA examiner found that the condition warranted a higher rating due to marked deformity (abduction) and severe pain on manipulation and use accentuated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and hallux valgus, as well as his left shoulder disorder, are service-connected. The evidence supports a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral pes planus and knee disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent at any point during the period on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus. The evidence shows current diagnosis, in-service injury, and causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current left knee or left foot disability.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is found to be caused by his service-connected left Achilles tendon rupture, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of a higher rating for his left shoulder recurrent dislocation remains under consideration.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by pain on manipulation and use accentuated, swelling on use, and characteristic callosities, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's headaches were not incurred or aggravated during active duty, and are not proximately due to, the result of or aggravated by service-connected disability. The Board finds that VA has complied with the VCAA's notification and assistance requirements.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine if any current bilateral foot disability is consistent with a 1966 undocumented cold weather injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and reviewing the Veteran's claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is service-connected and he was granted an initial compensable evaluation for his right shoulder disability prior to January 5, 2012. On or after that date, the evaluation remains at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether his flat feet and neck injury are secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and expert medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right foot disability. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent prior to August 16, 2010 and at 20 percent for the right foot and 30 percent for the left foot as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and residuals of a left 5th metatarsal fracture have been rated at 30 percent since August 14, 2013.