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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, entitlement to an effective date prior to December 4, 2009, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues of service connection for flat feet, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and headaches have also been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus did not undergo an increase in severity beyond its natural progression during his active service, thus denying service connection for bilateral pes planus. The claim of weak legs was also denied as there is no evidence to support a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition, including pes planus and hallux valgus, was not incurred in service or due to a service-connected disability. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral plantar callosities and their impact on his ability to work. The TDIU issue will also be addressed.

The Veteran's IBS, HH, and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome. The criteria for a higher rating (60%) require symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. None of these symptoms have been shown.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7101. The criteria for a higher rating (20%) require diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. None of these conditions have been shown.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to missing service treatment records and a need for further development. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after all available evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, diagnosed as right foot disabilities of plantar fasciitis and right exostosis bone spur, was incurred during his active service. The claim for left heel disability is pending due to lack of a diagnosis in the provided medical records.

The Board has directed the VA to obtain additional treatment records and a new examination for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his lumbar strain and residuals of a stress fracture of the left foot with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The case is also referred to the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including issuance of Statements of the Case and scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues include rating an increased disability for bilateral pes planus, service connection for various disabilities, and review of a reduction in rating for plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's right and left foot disorders, including hammertoe, flexion deformity of the toes, hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and bunion formation, and pes planus, are found to have had their onset in service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's disability rating for his left knee condition was reduced from 30% to 10%, effective August 1, 2009. The reduction is granted as the evidence does not show improvement in his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has found that the left foot disorder and psoriasis are related to his service-connected right ankle disability, warranting secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the claimed conditions, but has remanded the issues of secondary service connection and rating assignment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied, but the Board granted service connection for left fifth finger injury residuals based on a finding of service onset.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by active service, and therefore, she is denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot disability, other than peripheral neuropathy, is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during the pendency of her appeal. The remaining claims are addressed in the REMAND section.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability. The issue is being referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including tinnitus, left foot disability, right foot disability, neck disability, and unspecified shoulder disability. The decision is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have pes planus that was caused or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence demonstrates that any current pes planus is a congenital defect and therefore, service connection for this condition is not warranted.