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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, was granted. The Board requested opinions on whether the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus underwent an increase in severity during service and if such increase was clearly and unmistakably not beyond its natural progression.

The Board has determined that further development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ dysfunction and right foot plantar fasciitis. The claims are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are caused by his service-connected right foot disabilities, leading to a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI, low back disability, sleep apnea, skin disability (folliculitis), and right ankle/foot disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations based on sound medical opinions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was incurred in service and her bilateral foot bunions with hallux valgus, including postoperative residuals, were proximately due to or aggravated by her bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection, but a noncompensable rating is assigned due to lack of evidence showing blood pressure readings meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral foot disability was also granted. The examiner found no current or chronic condition other than calluses on toes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions have not warranted an increased rating in any of the issues on appeal.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that symptoms were not severe enough to warrant such a rating. A separate 20 percent rating was granted for moderately severe malunion or nonunion of the tarsal or metatarsal bones of both feet.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, arthritis of the right knee and leg, and bilateral flat feet. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person prior to December 11, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinion regarding the relationship between current foot conditions and basic training.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has not been productive of marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, or marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation. The current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis, was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Veteran's PFB does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing due to his request. The issues include increased ratings, service connection claims, and TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 30 percent since July 17, 2015. The rating is based on moderate disability with pain and use accentuated.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since September 1, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether this rating has been warranted.

The Board denied service connection for colon cancer, cardiovascular disorders, bilateral hand and foot disabilities, and vertigo due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military service or exposure to herbicides/radiation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is rated at 30 percent since August 18, 2016. The Veteran's mild peripheral neuropathy of the medial plantar nerve in both lower extremities and migraine headaches are all rated as noncompensable.