Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The maximum benefit available under the assigned disability rating has already been granted, but the claim remains on appeal as he seeks the maximum available benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for further development and adjudication, including consideration of a CUE claim and issuance of an SOC on the issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for left foot pes planus with midfoot degenerative changes was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of pronounced pes planus, marked deformity, pain or spasm on manipulation of the foot, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement or severe spasm of the tendo achilles on manipulation of the foot, or inward bowing of the tendo achillis during the period on appeal. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle condition was not addressed as it is related to an issue that is not about service connection.

Effective from August 7, 2014, the Veteran's service connection for bilateral metatarsalgia was granted. Effective from January 28, 2011, she received a 50% rating for her service-connected bilateral pes planus. The effective dates were adjusted based on when the evidence of disability arose.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His overall disability rating does not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and nonservice-connected cancer, did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus and hammertoes, were not incurred or aggravated by her period of service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he has been employed full-time with VA since September 2013.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right knee replacement, bilateral hip disability, and left foot disability have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his hearing loss, nor does he meet the criteria for TDIU.,Service connection has also been denied for the Veteran's right knee replacement, bilateral hip disability, and left foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and/or low back strain, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's additional disabilities, including painful callouses and degenerative joint disease affecting his right foot, were reasonably foreseeable outcomes of the April 2003 and March 2004 surgeries performed by VA. The evidence does not support a finding of fault on VA's part in providing care during these procedures.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's combined rating is 70 percent, with a single disability rated at 50 percent. The criteria for TDIU have been met.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as he now only seeks service connection for muscle atrophy of the bilateral feet, which was established in a recent rating decision.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for bilateral flatfoot and right hallux valgus have been denied as they are already at the maximum schedular ratings.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of a TDIU, and his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral foot conditions have been rated as at least a 30 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, which is granted. The Board finds that his left knee and ankle disorders are not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral fallen arches with plantar fasciitis prior to June 28, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.