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

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, diaphragm hernia, and low back disability. However, new evidence did not provide a basis to grant these claims as they are denied due to lack of medical nexus.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss, pes planus (flat feet), and asthma. Right ear hearing loss is not service connected.,Right ear hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable since the initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the September 2007 rating decision was granted, with service connection for sinusitis, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and pseudofolliculitis assigned. However, his right ankle disability remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service symptoms and treatment. However, there is no evidence of a current right great toe disability or an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) related to service.,Service connection was denied for both the claimed right great toe disability and the acquired psychiatric disability (depression). The Board found that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right ankle disability and service connection for a left foot disorder were denied. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for his right ankle prior to August 10, 2011 or since, nor was there evidence of secondary service connection for his left foot disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with remote history of heel stress fractures is rated at 10 percent prior to February 17, 2012 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any period during the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with calluses is manifested by no greater than moderate impairment, and thus does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than the current 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral ankle arthritis, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Pine Street Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The claims of service connection for bilateral bone spurs and a bilateral foot disability will be reconsidered after this additional information is obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The issues are related as they both involve his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, right and left knee disability, right and left ankle disability, and a left foot disability are all found to be related to service. The initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus, and left knee disability. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his military service.,There is no evidence of any in-service symptoms or injury that could lead to the current disabilities.

The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left leg disability, diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis with calcification and pes planus, was caused by his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's right foot disability is service-connected, and his PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome with intermittent plantar fasciitis, as well as his left shoulder disorder, are all productive of functional loss due to painful motion. The Board finds that a rating of 10 percent is warranted for each condition.