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

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for DJD of the right knee and left knee, as well as a compensable rating for plantar wart of the right foot, have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for arthritis of the back has also been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits of the claims.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus, reopening of service connection claims for left wrist ganglion cyst and anxiety disorder, and effective date earlier than September 22, 2014, for a grant of 30 percent disability rating for left cubital tunnel syndrome were denied. The Veteran's claim for Bell's palsy was also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right Achilles tendonitis and bilateral plantar fasciitis, as new and material evidence was submitted. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right foot injury or pes planus, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The claim of residuals of a bilateral cold injury to the feet other than pes planus was also denied as there is no evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating schedule.,For conditions other than right foot and left foot plantar fasciitis with pes planus, no new or material evidence was presented to reopen previously denied service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and low back strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond 30 percent for pes planus prior to December 5, 2011, and 40 percent thereafter. For the lumbar spine disability, the issue is pending on remand.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated by active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of higher ratings for left knee arthritis remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for degenerative disc disease C5-6 due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim of bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability in either ear that meets VA's definition of hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bunions, and degenerative joint disease of both feet. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and right knee disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a service connection. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, provide proper notice regarding secondary service connection, and afford the Veteran a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, bilateral foot disorder (pes planus), and right hip degenerative joint disease were granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder impingement, bursitis, and AC joint arthritis was denied. His claim for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion and securing outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral feet was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition in service or within one year after separation. The Board found that the Veteran has been diagnosed with bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and hallux valgus but not degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis were not found to warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to April 5, 2014. From that date, the Veteran was assigned a 30 percent evaluation for each foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral foot disability remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his left foot conditions, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a pre-existing condition or aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus did not warrant a disability rating in excess of 30 percent, and her claims for secondary service connection to bilateral pes planus were also denied.