Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his foot disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions warrant a higher disability rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis due to recent statements indicating an increase in symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mood disorder was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current mental health disability contemporaneous to or since the filing of his claim. His bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus more nearly approximates a 30 percent rating from May 10, 2012 to July 10, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, to include flat feet and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran contends that his current disabilities are related to service due to an in-service fall accident and repeated climbing/jumping off helicopters.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his bilateral pes planus with triple arthrodesis, left foot, prior to January 14, 2011, or since January 14, 2011. He was also denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for painful scars and amputation of the right great toe at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The Veteran's claim for separate service connection for additional left foot limitation secondary to arthrodesis was not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his right foot disability, diagnose any current right knee and right hand disabilities, and provide a rationale for service connection determinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, back disability, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims of service connection for back disability and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's pes planus, left foot has been rated as 10 percent since May 2, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence supports a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's right and left foot plantar fasciitis were granted increased ratings to 20% effective July 8, 2014. The current disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability should be remanded due to inadequate examination and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, sleep apnea, and a below-the-left-knee amputation are not supported by the evidence of record. The claim for diabetes mellitus was previously denied in July 2005 and no new and material evidence has been received since then. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also previously denied but no new and material evidence has been received since September 1991. No increased rating is granted for chronic low back pain, chronic sinusitis with headaches, or a left varicocele. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or due to being housebound is not warranted. The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment for an automobile is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran contends his pre-existing condition worsened during military service, which is a form of aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims.

The Board incorrectly applied the law regarding the presumption of soundness for right pes planus, leading to a denial. The motion is granted on this issue and denied on left pes planus.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for bilateral elbow conditions. The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen claims for bilateral shoulder disorders, neck muscle strain, conjunctivitis, and hypertension prior to January 26, 2001. The Veteran's GAD claim is also granted, but with an effective date of August 20, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the Veteran's hearing request.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to his military service or noise exposure, and thus service connection is not warranted.