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

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating, and her radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were rated as 10 percent disabling since February 23, 2015. The painful abdominal scar received a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining signed informed consent forms and VA treatment records. The case will be re-adjudicated after the development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right shin splints, left shin splints, a back disorder, severe allergies, right leg swelling, left leg swelling, flat feet, and skin disorders. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The case is being remanded for additional development due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 40 percent disabling since October 22, 2014. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of radiculopathy in either lower extremity at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling and his left lower extremity radiculopathy has not met criteria for a separate rating.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of cervical spine disability at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with C5-C7 cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy has been rated as 30 percent disabling.,For the period prior to March 24, 2011, there is no evidence of right upper extremity radiculopathy at least mild in nature. Beginning March 24, 2011, the Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of left upper extremity radiculopathy at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of bilateral plantar fasciitis with left foot pes planus and right foot pes cavus at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated as 50 percent disabling.,The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure that is predominately 100 or more; or systolic pressure predominately 160 or more; or a history of diastolic pressure predominately 100 or more and continuous medication for control.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and left foot posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, status post arthrodesis and Kidner procedure, are found to have been aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the condition did not manifest during service.,The Veteran's claim for bilateral pes planus was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the condition did not manifest during service.,The Veteran's claim for a shoulder disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the condition did not manifest during service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus deformities and callouses is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The ratings for right knee tendonitis (10%), left knee tendonitis (10%), and left knee instability (20%) have all been denied. However, due to his unemployability caused by these service-connected disabilities, he has been granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia and PTSD. The decision is in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to February 2, 2001 did not render her unemployable.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for TBI, bilateral metatarsalgia, and bilateral plantar fasciitis as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for right and left ankle disabilities, a bilateral foot disability, and mitral valve prolapse have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral degenerative joint disease of the feet and assigned a disability rating. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus is remanded for further development.

From June 25, 2002 to July 27, 2006, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was manifested by moderate symptoms of moderate tenderness, mild decrease in the arch of the feet, minimal discomfort and pain over the arch of the left foot, and lack of endurance.,From July 28, 2006 to September 16, 2009, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was manifested by severe symptoms of accentuated pain on use, including of the left heel.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is caused by his service-connected bilateral pes planus disability, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been rated at 10 percent since October 10, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to April 27, 2012 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from August 11, 2005 to March 22, 2015 was granted. On or after March 23, 2015, the Veteran is rated at 50 percent for his bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The main issue on appeal is his claim for a clothing allowance.