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

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including sleep disorder, memory problems, bilateral pes planus, respiratory disorder (bronchitis and pneumonia), and chronic fatigue syndrome. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional records and provide a medical opinion regarding the service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and recurrent patellar subluxation are currently rated at 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is not separately rated due to the lack of a service connection theory for this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and skin condition of the head are related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's skin condition of the feet is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus disabilities do not require the use of a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance which tends to wear or tear his clothing, including his shoes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as there is no competent medical evidence linking his claimed disabilities to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition did not have its onset during active service and was not otherwise caused by active service. The May 1977 rating decision is final, and new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for DJD of the right knee.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain relevant TRICARE treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for three bilateral foot conditions: global cavus, metatarsalgia and tyloma. The Board has determined that a remand is required to obtain an appropriate VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disorder of the proximal interphalangeal joints of both hands and plantar fasciitis of both feet was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis in either case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's conditions are related to his service and have granted service connection for all claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral plantar calluses is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification of withdrawal from the appellant.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's right foot disability, effective May 8, 2013. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of his right foot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right ankle degenerative joint disease and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The Veteran also needs to provide updated VA treatment records and any non-VA healthcare provider records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to the feet, eczema, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and flat feet were denied. The claim for an increased rating for athlete's foot was also denied.

The Board has reopened several previously denied claims of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disability, left ankle disability, throat/cough disorder, right ankle disability, bilateral foot disability, and ear disability. The decision is mixed as some issues have new and material evidence presented while others do not.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess his bilateral pes planus and spinal degenerative disc disease. The TDIU claim will be considered in conjunction with these developments.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not undergo a permanent worsening beyond normal progression during his active service, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for plantar fasciitis with Achilles heel tendon spurs of the left foot. The Board dismissed this issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the etiology of any current foot disability and whether prior diagnoses were misdiagnoses or resolved.