Hadrian

Vet, Check out my post "Posterior Tibial Tendonitis And Accessory Bone (Feet), Cfr 4.57 - Static Foot Deformities". I have flat feet as well and the VA podiatrist told me I have developed an accessory bone in my ankle from foot problems and Post Tibial Tendonitis (you may want to look into that as pes planus is linked to that). I will keep you updated on my claim process and hopefully there will be some useful info in it for you. Hadrian

Hello, I just wanted to post a question in regards to the Comp and Pen process for foot deformity/pain. A little about me - I did 6 years in the Marine Corps infantry and did a tour over in Iraq. I had a podiatry exam for my feet, which have been bothering me (pain/swelling/tenderness) since right after I first joined the Marines. I never had foot issues before I joined - no flat feet, nothing. I had X-rays of my feet taken a few weeks ago. The doctor told me the following: - I have flat feet - I have developed an accessory bone on the inside of my left ankle - I have Posterior Tibial Tendonitis - She gave me inserts. We will do a followup to see if I need custom inserts. Then if things get serious enough, surgery to remove the accessory bone. I told the doctor about my time in the Corps. I was in from 2000-2006 - when I first got in we were still in the black boots, then we transitioned to the tan boots. She believes that my foot problems come from my time in the infantry. I looked at the CFR schedule for feet and this is what I found (I highligted the parts I think refer to my situation. If you see any others please let me know): TITLE 38 - PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF CHAPTER I - DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PART 4 - SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES subpart b - DISABILITY RATINGS 4.57 - Static foot deformities. It is essential to make an initial distinction between bilateral flatfoot as a congenital or as an acquired condition. The congenital condition, with depression of the arch, but no evidence of abnormal callosities, areas of pressure, strain or demonstrable tenderness, is a congenital abnormality which is not compensable or pensionable. In the acquired condition, it is to be remembered that depression of the longitudinal arch, or the degree of depression, is not the essential feature. The attention should be given to anatomical changes, as compared to normal, in the relationship of the foot and leg, particularly to the inward rotation of the superior portion of the os calcis, medial deviation of the insertion of the Achilles tendon, the medial tilting of the upper border of the astragalus. This is an unfavorable mechanical relationship of the parts. A plumb line dropped from the middle of the patella falls inside of the normal point. The forepart of the foot is abducted, and the foot everted. The plantar surface of the foot is painful and shows demonstrable tenderness, and manipulation of the foot produces spasm of the Achilles tendon, peroneal spasm due to adhesion about the peroneal sheaths, and other evidence of pain and limited motion. The symptoms should be apparent without regard to exercise. In severe cases there is gaping of bones on the inner border of the foot, and rigid valgus position with loss of the power of inversion and adduction. Exercise with undeveloped or unbalanced musculature, producing chronic irritation, can be an aggravating factor. In the absence of trauma or other definite evidence of aggravation, service connection is not in order for pes cavus which is a typically congenital or juvenile disease. My QUESTIONS: - How should I approach putting my request for compensation for this, any suggestions? My VSO has not been that helpful. - Is there anything else I should be putting in for? - Any info on how the compensation percentages are determined for Static Foot Deformities? - Any other ideas/suggestions to help the process would be appreciated. Thank you, Hadrian