Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, was granted. His claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was also granted and he is now rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically obtaining SSA records related to his disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination and treatment records, as well as the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's left foot disorders.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was incurred during service and is granted as service connection. The June 1993 rating decision incorrectly determined that the condition existed at service entrance, which is found to be CUE.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at the highest possible rating (50%) due to pronounced symptoms, including marked deformity and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The Veteran also meets criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal for the issue of entitlement to an increased initial rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's right ankle arthritis, bilateral flat feet and hammer toes, folliculitis, and hemorrhoids are all found to be related to her service. The Board grants these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings for left knee disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection have not been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for compensation purposes. The claims for Bell's Palsy and pes planus are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for pes planus was denied because the mild pes planus noted at entry did not worsen during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for heart disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bilateral foot disability, and left knee arthritis have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disorder, headache disorder (migraine headaches), sleep apnea, and pes planus of the right foot. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at the maximum available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with an evaluation of 40 percent. The bilateral pes planus has been granted a 30 percent rating since October 30, 2009. Hyperhidrosis of the palms is not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection, finding no new and material evidence to reopen her previously denied claims.

The Veteran's Fuch's endothelial dystrophy is found to have its onset during his period of service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The claim for increased evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various orthopedic disabilities, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his active service and these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal or foot disabilities are related to his military service, including any in-service complaints or injuries. The pre-existing pes planus was not shown to have worsened during service.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar corns disability was first shown on July 1, 1999, and a 50 percent rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The effective date of the increased rating for bilateral pes planus with arthritis of the feet is set at March 1, 2007. Service connection for Morton's neuroma as secondary to pes planus is granted. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU.