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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is granted. The claims for service connection for a right foot disability and neck disability are denied, as well as the initial rating claims for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left foot plantar fasciitis, and TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a disability rating of 30 percent effective August 25, 2015.,A higher disability rating is not warranted for the period prior to August 25, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis with bone spurs.

The Veteran's left foot pes planus is currently rated as noncompensable, with symptoms described as intermittent pain and cramping. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects her disability.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be asymptomatic after December 31, 2005. The Board granted a disability rating of 10 percent from July 24, 2003 (the date his claim was received) to December 31, 2005.,The Veteran's hepatitis C is not entitled to a compensable rating since December 31, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional information and medical examinations regarding his claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left jaw disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, which pre-existed entry into active duty, was not aggravated beyond the natural progression by active duty. Therefore, service connection for aggravation of pes planus is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's foot and knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are not currently addressed in this decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired flat foot disability of the right foot, varicose veins with thrombosis, and dermatitis and residual scarring of the right lower leg are all related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to May 24, 2013.

The Veteran's left foot calcaneal plantar spur, resulting from an in-service injury, is service connected.,Persistent numbness of the penis following a penile skin adhesion excision during service is also service connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the VA examination opinions provided.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is characterized by extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked pronation that was not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. The highest schedular evaluation (50%) for pronounced flatfoot is assigned.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, weak feet, and osteoarthritis was rated as 10 percent prior to January 30, 2014, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder or right foot condition (other than pes planus) that is related to service. The earlier effective date claim for erectile dysfunction remains pending.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain and associate with the file any available treatment records from January 2016 to present, as well as a complete and viewable copy of the Veteran's entrance examination. The case is then being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for corns and calluses of the feet, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD. The Veteran's claims for knee disabilities, OSA, flat feet, and low back disability are pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and a bilateral foot disability, finding that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen these claims. The Veteran's asthma is found to be related to his active duty service, while his bilateral foot calluses are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain STRs and SPRs, as well as VA treatment records. A VA examination will be scheduled to address the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide a VA examination and consider whether service connection should be granted for plantar fasciitis and/or plantar calcaneal spurs, as well as the criteria for submission of his rating claim for extra-schedular consideration.