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

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of bilateral pes planus and service connection for post-operative ilioinguinal nerve entrapment were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of post-operative ilioinguinal nerve entrapment.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for left and right foot plantar fasciitis have been granted at 30 percent since February 11, 2010.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current sleep apnea, psychiatric disorder (including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), and bilateral pes planus were not shown in service or for years thereafter. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service event or injury resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a foot disability were denied multiple times. New evidence received since the June 2003 decision includes information that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability was not reopened as new and material evidence has not been presented.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral pes planus due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's residuals of fracture, base, right metacarpal were not rated higher than non-compensable as there was no ankylosis or gap between thumb pad and fingers. The rating assigned is based on the Veteran's subjective complaints of pain related to cane use.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of lumbar spine degenerative joint disease or bilateral plantar fasciitis, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right shoulder disorder, and left knee disabilities have been granted service connection. The Board has also remanded the issues of initial evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death, acute myelogenous leukemia, was not caused by or related to service or a service-connected disability. The appellant's argument for service connection based on exposure to herbicides and secondary to prostate cancer were not supported.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right total knee arthroplasty, or for left knee chondromalacia, or for residuals of a left tibia stress fracture. The Veteran's pes planus was rated appropriately.

The Veteran's right foot disorder, specifically plantar fasciitis, was present during her service and continues to be a current condition. The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not aggravated beyond its natural progression during his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is manifested by pain on weight-bearing, disturbance of locomotion, and tenderness of the plantar fascia despite treatment with orthotics. The disability most nearly approximates a moderate level of disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left pes planus with calcaneal spur and hypertension has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is secondary to his already service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, has been remanded due to the need for a travel board hearing.

The Board finds that additional development is required before the claim on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's pes planus was not clearly and unmistakably aggravated during service, but a VA examination should be scheduled to determine if any current foot disabilities are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis was manifested by chronic pain and increased pain with use or manipulation, burning, and numbness. The Board found that the disability more closely approximated a 10 percent rating for flat feet but not demonstrating a moderate disability of either foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability of the right leg and bilateral foot disability are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.