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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and the need for examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus was denied. For IBS and hiatal hernia with GERD, the Veteran received a single 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7319-7346.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities were initially rated at 20 percent each, effective prior to March 7, 2014. The RO then granted a 50 percent rating for the combined disability of both feet as of that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and right hip disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus did not pre-exist his service and was not aggravated by it. The condition is considered to have developed naturally over time.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the Veteran's bilateral pes planus (flat feet) and found that service connection is warranted for her lumbar strain, but not related to active duty or any other condition. The effective date of this decision is not specified.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating code.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for back disability was reopened, and he is now entitled to service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis secondary to his right ankle disability. The rating for right foot plantar fasciitis remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and bilateral foot disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis in the interphalangeal joints of both feet did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence showing continuity of symptoms from service to death. Therefore, service connection for a bilateral foot disability was denied on a direct basis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected.,The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected. The Board finds that the Veteran had noise exposure during service which likely contributed to his current condition.,Service connection for a bilateral leg and foot disability (presumed to be a skin disability) is granted as it is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, although there is no evidence of such exposure based on the provided information. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and spine disability are not established by the evidence presented.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as the Veteran has this condition and service treatment records show he was treated for thrombophlebitis during service, which may be related to his current condition.,Service connection for a spine disability is denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity of the preexisting spine disability occurred due to natural progression.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The left ankle injury residuals do not warrant an increased rating either.

The Veteran's service connection claims for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his TDIU claim, have been granted. His increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis fibromatosis has also been granted with a 20% evaluation effective October 28, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide her with proper VCAA notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from earning more than the poverty level and engaging in substantially gainful employment since May 15, 1997.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including a VA examination and advisory opinion from a vocational rehabilitation division counselor. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.