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

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs with degenerative joint disease at the first MTP joints have been rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 30 percent. Service connection for a left ankle disorder was also denied, as there was no clinical onset in service and it is not otherwise related to active service or to a service-connected disability. Finally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with calluses, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of the condition.

The Board is remanding the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has degenerative arthritis of the right foot and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with DJD of right great toe and bilateral hallux valgus was rated at 30 percent effective October 8, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for migraine headaches, left knee disorder, and flat feet. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise exposure during service, while his current migraine headaches are not considered related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scoliosis and bilateral plantar fasciitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and further development of her case.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left foot plantar fasciitis and residual scar, status post fracture left tibia with tibial fixation were denied. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU is REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's incomplete loss of sense of smell is directly caused by his service-connected nasal fracture, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of left foot third toe nondisplaced fracture was denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and triceps tendonitis, right arm (claimed as right shoulder rotator cuff) were also denied. Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and low back disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending before the Board.

PTSD and TMJ ratings remain denied.,Residuals of musculotendinous tear, right calf, and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis have initial disability ratings denied.,Effective dates for PTSD and TMJ service connection are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current foot disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is a residual of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury is granted. However, there is no evidence to support a separate claim for service connection for a left foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus. An addendum opinion will also be obtained from the examiner who conducted the September 2014 ankle, knee and leg examination.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability, which is currently rated as 30 percent disabling under DC 5276, has not resulted in pronounced disability with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. Therefore, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.