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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for pes planus with fascia and hallux valgus with hammer toe of both feet have been remanded by the Board due to the need for additional development, including consideration of recent VA examination findings and post-service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus (flat feet) was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during the pendency of his appeal. The Board found that the recent VA radiology report did not support a current diagnosis of flat feet.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment from September 4, 2012, to May 27, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examination reports and any outstanding treatment records. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, as well as a claim for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Board has determined that these claims require additional development and will be remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeal involves three issues: an initial increased rating for PTSD, an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis, and a request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet disability was rated at 10% from November 13, 2007 to July 24, 2016 and increased to 30% on or after July 28, 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with foot spurs, hypertension, and chronic hiccups are not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than zero percent as there is no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 mm Hg or more requiring continuous medication for control.,The Veteran's chronic hiccups do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 8210-8299.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing flat feet were aggravated during service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was rated at 30 percent since February 3, 2016. The condition has resulted in moderate symptoms including pronation and inward displacement of the tendo Achilles.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with right first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative joint disease and distorted great toe nail was rated at 10 percent prior to February 9, 2016. Since then, the disability has been rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's migraine headaches have not warranted a compensable rating since January 12, 2010, but were rated at 30 percent from that date forward. No initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine strain was granted.

The Veteran seeks an initial compensable rating for a bilateral foot disorder prior to April 13, 2016; and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The AOJ granted service connection for bilateral flat feet under diagnostic code 5276. However, the VA examination is inadequate for adjudication purposes due to lack of response on several issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no effective date is assigned as service connection was granted based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including mental health conditions and musculoskeletal issues. The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to have a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been productive of moderately severe symptoms, warranting a 20 percent evaluation. The disability picture is best characterized as moderately severe.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and industrial background.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his disability did not manifest pronounced symptoms such as marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis.

The Veteran's bilateral foot conditions are considered to be secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder. He is granted compensation for the neurological condition of his feet and an acquired psychiatric disorder, both related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the award of service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was set at June 22, 2006.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for anxiety disorder and left foot plantar fasciitis with metatarsalgia remain pending, while the TDIU claim has been granted.