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..tiredmarine0331

Question

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with mild pes planus (flat foot) at MEPS in 2007, I served in the infantry and went on hikes, runs, combat patrols etc. Both of my flat feet became worse over the years due to carrying heavy weight. Now that I am out of the military is very hard for me to walk even short distances without feeling pain, the V.A. already knows about this and prescribed a set of insoles that do not work. I am currently ongoing podiatry therapy through the veterans first choice program (civilian clinic paid by the V.A.) I get 3 injections of cortisone on each foot every 2 weeks and I will have my last session next week (for a total of 2 months). 

I am also diagnosed with constant shin splints, knee tendinitis, hip pain and 2 bulging discs L-4 L-5.

I am going to file a claim in a few months once I am done with my cortisone sessions.

My question is:

1. Since my flat feet became worse over the years in the military resulting in constant and severe pain now that I am out, would it be easier to make my flat feet a service connected disability? (it was already recorded in MEPS and service records but not severe as it is now)

2. Am I going to be able to connect everything else (shin splints, knee tendinitis, hip pain and 2 bulging discs) with my flat feet and make them service connected disabilities? and if so what is the best way to do this?

These are just the disabilities that I never complained about, and had to drag them with me until I got the courage to start therapy to reduce pain.

I am currently at 80% SC and working on other disabilities that I have mentioned in older posts as well just to clarify.

Thanks

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TiredMarine0331,

Lots o' humpin will destroy your feet after a while...no doubt. Marines and Army the worst for that, for sure.  You can get your pes planus SC via aggravation of preexisting condition due to Military service.

I have pes cavus w/plantar fasciitis bilaterally, at 30%.  It was noted at MEPS in 02/92 that I had high arches. By 1997 the plantar fasciitis was already in progress on my L foot. And it aggravated my L ankle. At my EAS 11/98 I was SC for painful residual L ankle injury @ 10%.  It wasn't until last year that I was finally SC for my feet. And that was based on STR from 1997 where the plantar fasciitis was first DXd.  The Podiatrist doing my C&P exam noted that STR as the nexus, stating more likely than not due to Military Service affecting my foot type(high arches). But also by this time it had become the pes cavus(claw foot) and plantar fasciitis.  Then I won an EED claim for my feet back dated to 03/06 when I originally filed for it, that claim was never adjudicated.

As for getting all your above ground level ailments SC secondary to your feet, you will need IMO/IMEs from Orthopedic specialist stating so...unless you have it in your STR showing those issues being due to or aggravated by your pes planus.

Like "Pinky and the Brain" mentioned, go on ebenefits and start those claims yesterday!

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well it depends were you sen for any of the other conditions while in service by a doc or a private doc ?

" I am also diagnosed with constant shin splints, knee tendinitis, hip pain and 2 bulging discs L-4 L-5. "

who diagnosed you ? 

if you had any paperwork on any of this while in service it should not be hard to connect them 

if you are going to start a clam using ebenifits go ahead and start  the process NOW it gives you a year to compleet your file and they will back pay you from the start date when you start to file  i just got a 7000,00 check for back pay get it started now

 how long have you been out?

i was able to get Achilles tendinitis connected to flat feet not shure to the rest but get it started now

 

 

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Thanks for the responses, they are of great help. I was diagnosed with flat foot (bilateral) at my physical exam at MEPS when I first joined the military, and also when I was in Walter reed hospital after I was wounded in Afgh. I was diagnosed again with severe flat foot. (I guess they got worse)

Shin splints, bulging discs L-4 L-5, hip pain and knee tendinitis were diagnosed by my primary doctor at the V.A. The only injuries recorded while in service are my flat feet and knee tendinitis.

I alredy submitted an "intent to file" on ebenefits on Oct 26th 2016. Thanks again  

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Sure, it's the least I can do(or the best?).

As for the bulging discs at your L4 and L5, I can't say may be caused by your feet, but no doubt are certainly aggravated by your pes planus. But with a higher degree of certainty, I say that your shin splints, hip and knee issues are at least as likely as not, caused by your feet.  And as your feet get flatter(if that's really a thing? Like high arches getting higher, right?)your issues will worsen. I'm surprised you don't have ankle issues.

I know, for me, when ever my feet act up, more than the usual, it sets off a chain reaction that goes all the way up my body.

Do you have an account with va.gov?  If not, create one now. From there you can go on to ebenefits and myhealtheVet. You will need premium access on myhealtheVet to access your VA health records and such. If you have it already, you're good to go. Check out your treatment records, for the things your PCP DXd you with, see if they noted whether or not your feet played any part in your other physical ailments.

Oh, I re-read your last post and noticed that you filed an "intent to file" on ebenefits...guess that answers that question! Lol.

 

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I have a lot less pain when walking, I have a Pronation, and these sneakers have made a significant difference in reducing that pain. and orthofeet shoes are comfortable! My feet may need a specialist, but I am happy with this purchase. I wear these to walk the dogs, exercise, or anytime nights and weekends. They look great and feel even better.

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