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

The Veteran's bilateral foot plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease have been rated at 20 percent since October 14, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has directed that the Veteran be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus and low back syndrome. The case is also remanded for clarification of the Veteran's address and rescheduling of the examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and therefore, cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as chronic strain with bursitis, originated during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, lung and spleen disabilities, anemia with Crohn's disease, G-6-PD deficiency, bilateral knee disability, traumatic arthritis of the left hip, pes planus, and generalized anxiety disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are productive of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, but no swelling or characteristic calluses. The disability most closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a rating of 30 percent effective September 14, 2015. The previous ratings were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus had an onset in service and is related to his active duty. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that he has current hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of service, but acknowledges noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a qualifying left foot, ankle, or knee disability for service connection and denied all claims. The claim for right carpal tunnel syndrome was previously denied but new evidence received since the last denial is found to be material.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, cervical spine disability, and arthritis of the bilateral hips. The Veteran's claims for other disabilities are also granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and conflicting evidence of record.

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under DC 5284. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Appellant's pes planus existed prior to his military service and was not permanently aggravated beyond normal progression during active service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals were denied in various stages, including for a right eye disability, hypertension, and PTSD. The claims for bilateral pes planus, left foot hallux valgus, and left foot plantar wart were also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's foot disability, to include arthritis, is not etiologically related to his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with metatarsalgia is rated at 10 percent since October 2007, and the cervical spine disability is granted as incurred in service. The left shoulder disability (left arm numbness) is not found to be related to service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, but denied service connection for a skin disorder and left foot disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right foot disability has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The claim for left foot plantar fasciitis was not adjudicated.