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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disability, bilateral foot disability, bilateral hand disability, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are not supported by the evidence of record. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right foot disability and TDIU prior to June 30, 2008 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were fully encompassed by the current 40 percent rating under DC 5167.

The Veteran's depressive disorder symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 70 percent rating from January 29, 2013, to January 4, 2016, and since May 1, 2016. The bilateral pes planus symptoms most closely approximated those contemplated by a 10 percent rating from January 20, 2011, to September 2, 2015. The reduction in the left shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted. The reduction in the right shoulder disability rating was improper, and restoration of the prior rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right and left pes planus were aggravated by service beyond their natural progression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma, headaches, left foot plantar fasciitis, and epilepsy have been granted. The specific rating changes are as follows: asthma to 30 percent; headaches from 10 to a higher level; left foot plantar fasciitis to a higher level; and epilepsy to a higher level.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left or right foot disabilities, other than a service-connected right foot callus. The bilateral ankle disability is also denied as there is no evidence of osteoarthritis within one year following service discharge.,There is no competent evidence of a current left foot disability throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee scar disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis with left heel spur does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, bilateral pes planus, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims are now resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's left ankle condition was granted a 20 percent rating. For his left foot plantar fasciitis, he received increased ratings in two periods: prior to May 19, 2014 (10 percent), and from May 19, 2014 to March 2, 2017 (30 percent). The Veteran's claim for a higher rating after March 2, 2017 was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral foot disability are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeal on all issues currently before the Board.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent since December 9, 2004 and in excess of 30 percent from November 5, 2011. The GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 10 percent since January 25, 2017.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been consistently manifested by pain on use, characteristic calluses, and no other marked deformity. His GERD with hiatal hernia was noted to be controlled in December 2009 but had recurred with episodes of bleeding.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 30 percent since the effective date of service connection, effective May 18, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities are rated at a 30 percent rating, effective December 1, 2008.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent), effective December 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, and therefore denied his claims of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and bilateral metatarsal stress fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with medical opinions and outstanding records. The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions worsened during active duty. The claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, hypertension, and tinea corporis remain pending as new evidence was not received to reopen them.

The Veteran is awarded a 50% rating for his bilateral pes planus effective from September 10, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma is found to be related to his active duty service, and he is granted a 30 percent rating for his bilateral pes planus from August 31, 2007 to July 23, 2012.

The Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disabilities are related to his active military service or secondary to his service-connected fracture of the left fifth toe.