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

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied, but he was granted a separate rating for each foot under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus, to include as secondary to his service-connected hypertension, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for pes planus is on hold, as well as her service connection claim for left metatarsalgia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no competent and credible evidence showing current disabilities or a link to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD was granted, effective March 20, 2008. The appeal regarding service connection for bilateral flat feet and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability was not permanently worsened beyond its natural progression during his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus and whether any diagnosed mental disorders are caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The claims file should also be returned to the July 2010 examiner for an addendum opinion regarding the pre-existence and aggravation of any acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depressive disorder NOS).

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus with bilateral first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative joint disease and bunionectomies, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with DJD warrants a rating of 50 percent, the maximum available under DC 5276.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a change in personnel at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability, bilateral pes planus, and initial compensable rating for IGA nephropathy have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran had current tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure.,For the other conditions, the evidence did not establish a nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder and/or chronic fatigue syndrome. For the period from December 2001 to August 2003, he was not entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder; however, for the period from May 15, 2006 onwards, his chronic fatigue syndrome warranted a 100% disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability did not have its onset in service or during any presumptive period, and is not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2005. The current manifestations of the disability do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there was no evidence linking current diagnoses to service. The claims were denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for plantar fasciitis of the left foot is granted as her current diagnosis and in-service treatment history support a finding that her condition was incurred during military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by pain and decreased longitudinal arch height on weight-bearing, is currently rated at 30 percent for the period prior to December 7, 2012, from March 1, 2013 to July 8, 2014, and at 50 percent beginning July 9, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis warrants a noncompensable (0 percent) rating since November 9, 2002.