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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) and granted it, finding that his preexisting condition was aggravated by service. Service connection is also granted for hallux valgus, bunions, and calluses as they are related to the aggravation of pes planus.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been rated at 10 percent, reflecting moderate foot pain and decreased longitudinal arch on weight bearing of both feet.

The Veteran's pes planus was manifested by pain and pain on use prior to February 10, 2004. The Board finds a 10 percent rating is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease are currently rated at 40 percent, effective December 1, 2016. His bilateral pes planus is also rated at 50 percent, effective the same date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, increased ratings for low back disability and left foot disability, and entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound allowance. The reduction from a 10 percent rating to a noncompensable rating for left ankle scar was also found improper. TDIU was not granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal with respect to all issues pending before the Board.

The Board found that there was no direct service connection for the Veteran's plantar fasciitis, as the evidence did not show a link between his current condition and his military service. The Board also noted that the Veteran's buddies reported foot pain during service but there were no medical records indicating such issues until after separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs, is caused by his service-connected bilateral pes planus. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his ischemic heart disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and other issues were also addressed.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with intermittent foot strain was rated at 30 percent, and separate ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right and left feet were granted. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted under the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and all issues on appeal are dismissed.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from 10 percent to noncompensable was not proper, and restored the original 10 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Board found the preponderance of evidence against a finding that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to active service or his service-connected bilateral foot calluses. The right and left foot calluses were rated as moderate foot injuries, warranting a 10% evaluation each.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar warts and arthritis of the left shoulder are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions. The Board has determined that higher ratings are not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for obesity, claimed as secondary to a service-connected back disability due to additional development being needed.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, diagnosed as pes planus, was incurred during her third period of active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise to show that hypertension, skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis are secondary to her service-connected asthma disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability and bilateral foot disability are not related to service, while his hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for award of a TDIU, and his disabilities are not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA podiatry examination to assess the nature and severity of the Veteran's bilateral heel spurs. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for heel spurs in September 1993.