Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes collapsed valgus deformity with traumatic arthritis and soft tissue mass to the lateral aspect of the right foot with possible neuritis from nerve entrapment, pes planus, metatarsalgia, and hallux valgus, is at least as likely as not related to his in-service foot injuries.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated as noncompensable due to the relief provided by arch supports. However, with prolonged standing and walking, he experiences some pain which is relieved by these inserts. The Board grants a compensable rating of 10 percent for his bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability has been rated at 50 percent since July 1, 2014. The RO found that the condition warranted this rating based on severe pain, swelling, and functional limitations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for plantar fasciitis, increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and right foot pes planus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet and heel spurs were rated at 50 percent from August 15, 2008 to October 16, 2008, January 1, 2009 to March 3, 2011, and May 1, 2011 forward. The Veteran's osteomyelitis of the left heel was rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and the need for VA examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pes planus likely began in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral fallen arches with plantar fasciitis have been rated at 50 percent since May 9, 2016. Prior to this date, the disability was rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the appellant's exact dates of service and obtain VA treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, hypertension, migraines, or lumbar strain.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs prior to April 21, 2014 more nearly approximates pes planus with pain on manipulation and use of feet.

The Veteran's conditions, including diabetes and its related complications, are not service connected. The Board denied the claims for service connection based on lack of evidence showing onset or causation in service.

The Board denied service connection for urinary tract infections, left hip disability, right foot tendonitis, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis as secondary to the Veteran's Peyronie's disease. The other claims were not addressed in detail.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a lung condition. The Board will request clarification regarding his exposure history and medical records from VA and private providers.,The Veteran's bilateral hip disabilities may be related to his service-connected foot disability, but further examination is needed to determine if they are aggravated by the service-connected conditions.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a left and right hip disability. Further examination is required to determine whether these disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected foot disability.,The Veteran claims secondary service connection for groin pain due to his bilateral hip disabilities. A VA examiner will be requested to provide an opinion on this issue.,The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected conditions. The Board will request clarification regarding the effectiveness of his service-connected conditions and their impact on employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including associated disabilities, is rated at 50 percent disabling from September 30, 2015. The Veteran also received a separate 10 percent rating for left hallux valgus and right hallux valgus from September 30, 2015, forward.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus, right knee arthritis, and left knee DJD. The remaining issues of increased ratings and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected feet disability prior to October 23, 2013, and higher than 10 percent effective October 23, 2013, has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as no new evidence was submitted within the applicable appeal periods, and the earliest date of receipt of a claim is considered the effective date.