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

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at the maximum available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with an evaluation of 40 percent. The bilateral pes planus has been granted a 30 percent rating since October 30, 2009. Hyperhidrosis of the palms is not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection, finding no new and material evidence to reopen her previously denied claims.

The Veteran's Fuch's endothelial dystrophy is found to have its onset during his period of service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The claim for increased evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various orthopedic disabilities, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his active service and these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal or foot disabilities are related to his military service, including any in-service complaints or injuries. The pre-existing pes planus was not shown to have worsened during service.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar corns disability was first shown on July 1, 1999, and a 50 percent rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The effective date of the increased rating for bilateral pes planus with arthritis of the feet is set at March 1, 2007. Service connection for Morton's neuroma as secondary to pes planus is granted. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and a back disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs and right foot bursitis are rated at 10 percent, but no greater. The Veteran's right and left hallux valgus do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The September 2008 and May 2010 rating decisions denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and gout respectively. The Veteran's claims have been reopened but not substantiated.,New evidence submitted in May 2011 includes a VA examination report indicating that the Veteran developed bilateral plantar fasciitis from military service. This new evidence relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim and raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current hallux valgus and arthritis conditions were not caused by carelessness, negligence, or similar fault on the part of VA during her July 2008 lapidus bunionectomy. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a finding of causation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and left eye pterygium, finding that new evidence received since the April 2004 denial supports these claims. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent) due to the mild nature of the condition, which is relieved by orthotics.,For right hammer toes, the Veteran has partial involvement affecting the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes on each foot. The current rating of 0 percent is appropriate given that not all toes are affected.,Left hammer toes involve only the 4th and 5th toes, which also warrant a noncompensable (0 percent) rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, effective October 4, 2013. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation using the rating criteria for clawfoot.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for back pain and a left ankle condition, finding new and material evidence. The bilateral foot disability claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or for being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active service. Service connection was denied for hepatitis C due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

For the initial rating period from June 19, 2009 to December 1, 2014, the Veteran was granted a noncompensable (zero percent) disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.,For the initial rating period beginning December 1, 2014, the Veteran was granted a compensable (30 percent) disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.