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

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle/foot disability and awarded an individual compensation rating of 10% for scars of the left cheek, right temple, and/or right eyebrow.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent from April 18, 2005 to May 9, 2011 and at 50 percent since May 10, 2011. The current rating of 50 percent is subject to application of the amputation rule.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his psychiatric disorders, lumbar strain, right ring and little finger degenerative joint disease, left shoulder tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle strain, and left foot plantar fasciitis from February 1, 2010 to September 6, 2011 were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for flat feet, facial bumps, scoliosis, right eye disability, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The initial rating assigned is 10 percent for TBI.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, a foot disability other than pes planus, and left eye blindness have been denied as the evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial compensable ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the remaining claims due to lack of appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar warts are etiologically related to his military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran is entitled to financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as well as a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities resulting in loss of use of both feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her service treatment records, specifically from the Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center and Tripler Army Hospital. The AOJ will conduct a thorough search for these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's right fourth hammertoe and pes planus have been granted service connection, with a non-compensable rating since November 2001.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on the right shoulder, left foot plantar fasciitis, and second degree burn to the back have been denied. The claim for service connection for a benign essential tremor of the left hand has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot condition is at least equally likely a result of in-service injury or his service-connected left foot disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to November 6, 2013 is being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was diagnosed during service and has been continuously symptomatic since then. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection as his current disability resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot and left shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and arthritis of these areas may not be presumed to have occurred therein. The lumbar spine disability issue is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder NOS. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right foot disability that is related to his active military service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing the Veteran's attorney a copy of all adjudication performed and allowing time for response. The claim will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new opinion regarding his bilateral foot disability.