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

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations have been granted, with effective dates ranging from April 29, 2008 to May 13, 2009. The specific conditions include a left knee disorder, foot disorders (pes planus and hallux valgus), left eye disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), degenerative joint disease of the right knee, ankle tendinosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and shoulder rotator cuff tear.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination and determine his eligibility for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus on a de novo basis. The Veteran's left ankle disability, right hip disability, and left eye blindness are not supported by the evidence of record. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service and is less likely than not caused or aggravated by service. The condition has been diagnosed since at least 1982, over 30 years after his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a separate bilateral foot disability other than psoriasis, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support higher evaluations for right knee instability or left hip strain.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, effective from the date of the VA examination in August 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and spurring is manifested by a moderate disability in each foot, resulting in pain on initial use. The RO has granted an initial 10 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's knee and foot disabilities have been rated at the maximum available rating of 30 percent, effective August 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral pes planus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right shoulder degenerative joint disease and acromioclavicular joint arthropathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being added to the record, and the need for initial consideration of this evidence by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for TDIU and special monthly compensation due to additional evidence being needed, including VA clinical records and a social and industrial survey. The issues are inextricably intertwined with a pending claim of service connection for depression.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for all issues, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling appropriate examinations, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated as 10 percent disabling, but the evidence shows that it more closely approximates a 30 percent disability rating due to severe symptoms such as marked deformity and pain on manipulation.,The Veteran's residuals of myomectomy are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent), but the evidence supports a 30 percent evaluation based on symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine arthritis and right foot plantar fasciitis have been granted. The initial compensable disability rating of 10 percent has also been granted for the left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary actions have been taken.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral pes planus were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and his active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the increased ratings of painful scars and hallux valgus, status post right medial bunionectomy. The TDIU claim is remanded due to its inextricability with the bilateral pes planus rating issue.

The Veteran's right foot condition is found to be aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease and stomach disorder are granted due to exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or higher ratings.,The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for gastritis with duodenitis, 30 percent for sarcoidosis, or any other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus.