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

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, manifested by cold sweats, had its onset in service. The bilateral foot disability (pes planus and plantar fasciitis) was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The bilateral knee disability was not incurred in service, nor is it due to a service-connected disability. The hearing loss disability of either ear was not incurred in service. Tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for flat feet and a psychiatric disorder, but denied the remaining issues. The Veteran's claim for hypertension was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. His bilateral foot disorder is not considered service-connected, his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also not service-connected, and he does not meet criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by active duty. The major depressive disorder remains at a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for medical examinations to address the Veteran's flat feet and low back disability claims. The earlier effective date claim is also inextricably intertwined with a CUE claim.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left knee pain, and bilateral ankle sprains were denied as they are not related to service. The claim for increased evaluation of migraines prior to March 4, 2013 was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not service-connected as it pre-existed his second period of active service and did not worsen beyond the natural progression during that time.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is rated at 50 percent effective January 28, 2015. The Veteran is granted a compensable rating for left foot hallux valgus and right and left lower extremity scars. The Veteran's right hammer toes and left hammer toes are each assigned initial 10 percent ratings. The Veteran's lower left and right ankle equines disabilities are each rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral weak foot disability, which is rated as 10 percent prior to November 15, 2010, and 30 percent thereafter, did not result in more than moderate impairment during this period.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right knee injury with traumatic arthritis, and left knee degenerative joint disease have been granted initial disability evaluations in excess of the assigned ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and an inadequate examination for the left knee disability. The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus and service connection for his left knee disability are pending.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is service-connected as secondary to his history of seizure disorder.,Service connection for bilateral foot disorder was granted based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition more closely approximated a severe foot injury or pronounced unilateral acquired flatfoot with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hand and foot disabilities, finding that these conditions are not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a request for a DRO hearing, and no steps have been taken to address this request. The case is now returned to the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for left plantar fasciitis and right foot Tailor's bunion, finding that these conditions are proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The Veteran's increased ratings for his ankle disabilities have also been granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's sleep apnea did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to his service-connected sinusitis and/or hypertension. The Board also found no medical evidence linking any foot disability, including hammer toes, to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee patellar tendonitis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as his chronic right foot plantar fasciitis, are related to service. The decision is in favor of granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a shoulder condition, bilateral knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and pes planus. The decision also addressed his claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD but did not reach this issue due to other pending issues.