Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The separate noncompensable rating for hammertoes remains in effect. Right and left knee tendonitis with chondromalacia and osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, atopic dermatitis, TMJ disorder, a bilateral foot disorder, and conjunctivitis. The denial is based on new and material evidence not having been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus and umbilical hernia were not incurred or aggravated by service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to an outstanding hearing request. The Veteran's incarceration status needs clarification before scheduling a hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but the criteria for establishing this disability have not been met.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has also been reopened. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between his current foot disability and in-service symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus of the left foot. However, there is no current diagnosis found in records to support a claim for a left ankle disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with M21-1 provisions pertaining to verification of herbicide exposure in areas outside Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new examination of the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and an evaluation of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 50 percent, effective July 1, 2010. The disability is characterized by pain, calluses, and tenderness on the plantar surfaces of both feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left foot disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including a right ankle disability, are not service-connected as they are considered to be due to congenital conditions and do not show evidence of aggravation during service. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus were also found not to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 50 percent effective April 29, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability is secondary to his service-connected callosities of the feet, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a bilateral leg disability remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected pes planus with bunions and degenerative joint disease did not cause or aggravate any of his claimed foot, ankle, knee, or lumbar spine disorders. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a hearing at the RO. The claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus, an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension, and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus is remanded.