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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent prior to September 10, 2012. From September 10, 2012 to October 7, 2013, the rating was increased to 50 percent.,Beginning on October 7, 2013, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a left great toe contusion or other left great toe disability. The Veteran's pes planus, hallux valgus, and arthritis are not shown to be causally related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus did not worsen during service and denied service connection. The earlier effective date for a 30% rating for right foot disorder was granted.

The Board found no evidence of a permanent increase in the severity of the Veteran's bilateral flat feet during service, and thus denied service connection for aggravation. The Veteran was also diagnosed with hallux valgus deformities post-service, which were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to a higher initial rating for adjustment disorder and service connection for a bilateral hand/finger disability. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it began during service due to noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with secondary plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel component is manifested by marked pronation and inward displacement, but not by extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's right knee disability and bilateral foot disability are related to his active service. The claims for both conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and service connection, with the majority of issues remanded for further examination and opinion. The primary focus is on sleep apnea and its relationship to other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected pes planus with plantar fasciitis has been dismissed as he is satisfied with the decision to increase the rating from 10 percent to 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus and service connection for cervical and lumbar spine spondylosis. His request for automobile and adaptive equipment was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of her claims, including service connection for bilateral hip disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is not due to a disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for residuals of palmar hyperkeratosis of the right hand, finding that his December 2008 submission did not raise a legally sufficient claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the May 1968 and September 2004 rating decisions. The Veteran's claims were also denied for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, particularly regarding his claimed personal assault in service and any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or maintaining employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including flat feet and corns between the toes. The Board determined that new evidence received since the last final denial supports reopening the claim and establishes that the preexisting pes planus was aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as being proximately due to or caused by a service-connected disability, and has also granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's pre-existing ankle and foot disabilities were aggravated during service. Service connection was denied for the remaining issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all of the remaining issues on appeal, including service connection claims and a claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Dupuytren's contracture of the right hand.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a Travel Board hearing at the local VA office. The Veteran's appeal will be processed again after the hearing.