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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him helpless in the performance of activities of daily living and in protecting himself from everyday hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with the exception of his claim for secondary service connection. The initial compensable ratings for residuals of Fournier gangrene to the perineum, right foot disability, and diabetes mellitus are upheld, while a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, specifically asthma, GERD, a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, schedule appropriate examinations, and provide addendum opinions as requested.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent since November 30, 2004. The Board found that the disability met the criteria for a compensable rating during this period.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis and found that the Veteran's sarcoidosis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure. The remaining issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, including as due to service-connected left ankle arthritis. The claims for right ankle disability, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, skin disability of the back of the head and feet, gastrointestinal disability, to include gastritis, and residuals of a left buttock strain were denied on the merits.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and GERD are currently rated at the lowest available disability levels (10 percent), as their symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD with anhedonia has been granted a uniform rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of claim.,Service connection for bilateral pes plans and mechanical low back strain prior to October 23, 2012 have not been granted. The Veteran is entitled to a compensable evaluation for mechanical low back strain since October 23, 2012.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and foot disabilities as well as COPD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on body coverage or systemic therapy. The appeal was also denied regarding service connection for sleep apnea and back disability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a left plantar heel spur, diagnosed in November 2005. The chronic left wrist disability claim is denied.,Service connection for the lumbar spine disability has been granted prior to June 8, 2012, and denied as of that date.

The Veteran's Raynaud's disease, diagnosed as a result of cold weather injury in service, is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran has current manifestations of plantar fasciitis and bilateral ankle disorder, both related to her service. However, there are no findings or opinions regarding the left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot pes planus was denied. Service connection was granted for degenerative joint disease of the hips and knees, with separate evaluations assigned prior to March 14, 2014. Separate evaluations in excess of 10 percent were granted for hip and knee disabilities from that date. A compensable evaluation was granted for right hip disability prior to March 11, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions existed prior to service and did not worsen during service. The Board also found no evidence of a nexus between current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,Prior to November 5, 2011, the Veteran's bilateral flat feet are rated as 10 percent disabling. Since November 5, 2011, they are rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating than the currently assigned evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left foot plantar fasciitis is granted, and his service connection claims for low back disability and left knee disability are granted. The claim for service connection for left foot numbness remains pending.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis of the feet. The Veteran's right and left leg, knee, arm, and neck disabilities are found to be less likely than not related to his service-connected low back muscle spasm disability or bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's cervical strain with traumatic arthritis is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable rating criteria. The remaining conditions have either not been granted or are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD, left and right plantar fasciitis were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.