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

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at a maximum of 50 percent since October 1, 2009.

The Board has dismissed the claim for a higher rating for tinea cruris and is remanding the issue of reopening the service connection claim for bilateral foot disability due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left foot plantar fasciitis with atrophic fat pads have been rated at 30 percent each since February 8, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and a new examination for his bilateral pes planus. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the increased evaluation claim.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a higher evaluation of 30 percent effective January 10, 2007. The Board also granted an increased evaluation for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not permanently increase in severity during service and is not otherwise shown to be related to service. The Board concluded that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by his post-service employment.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent rating for adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for the adjustment disorder, as well as service connection for a right ankle and foot disability, are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot plantar fasciitis, which includes the right and left feet. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is also addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis have been granted service connection, and he is currently receiving a 30% disability rating for his bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability cannot be reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim of service connection for left knee arthritis was also denied as there is no direct evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Veteran's service treatment records indicate he experienced pain and swelling in his hands and feet during service, but no current residuals have been found. The Veteran's stomach disorder is believed to be unrelated to service.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's allergic reaction to penicillin or his stomach disorder (ulcer disease).

The Board has determined that a new TBI examination is necessary to clarify whether the Veteran has residuals of his inservice head trauma and, if so, what such residuals are. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist, knee, and ankle disabilities were incurred in service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was caused by service. Tinnitus was also found to be incurred in service. Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral foot plantar fasciitis with pes planus (30% prior to April 3, 2015 and 50% thereafter) and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint hypertrophy and strain (10% prior to April 3, 2015 and 20% thereafter), left shoulder strain (10% prior to April 3, 2015 and 20% thereafter) have been denied. The Veteran's service connection for these conditions is based on direct service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders did not have their onset during active duty service or are related to such service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hand conditions, as well as his initial compensable evaluations for nephrolithiasis and bilateral pes planus with calcaneal plantar fasciitis prior to May 1, 2015, were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for a sinus condition in August 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office for consideration of additional VA treatment records and potential readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for right foot pes planus, which was incurred during active duty. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to missing in-service audiograms and need for a VA examination.