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

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 10 percent, effective May 31, 2011. Bilateral metatarsalgia has also been granted a 10 percent rating on and after May 30, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of lay statements and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's foot conditions during service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating for a moderate disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder strain and bilateral pes planus are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5276.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 90%, meeting the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability and denied an increased rating for spondylosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his left wrist and foot conditions, have made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 2007 through September 2009. From October 2009 to March 2013 he was able to work but has been unable to do so since April 2013.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of bilateral pes planus, knee disability (chondromalacia patella), back disability, and hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess her knee disabilities and need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated at 10 percent prior to January 24, 2013, and 30 percent from that date. The Board finds that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot, knee, hip and shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting a direct relationship with her service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied service connection for dynamic toe contracture of the bilateral feet, right thumb disability, and colitis. The Veteran's established service-connected disabilities include bilateral metatarsalgia and pes planus.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, was incurred during a February 2011 VA surgery for a left toe bunion. The Board finds that the additional disability is proximately caused by fault on the part of VA due to improper placement of the big toe implant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since April 28, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors and no current diagnosis of PTSD. For bilateral pes planus, the Board noted that the disability existed prior to active duty and did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active military service and granted service connection for this condition. The remaining claims of service connection for left foot disability, left big toe disability, and COPD are remanded due to outstanding records and need for medical examination.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and migraine headaches have been granted service connection, with a 30% rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective August 11, 2016.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 1, 2006 for the service connection of bilateral pes planus. As a result, the Veteran's May 7, 2007 claim to reopen service connection serves as a claim for an increased rating for the service-connected pes planus. For the period from March 9, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to a disability rating of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus.