Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2000

The veteran's appeal is about an initial evaluation for his service-connected bilateral foot condition, specifically hammertoes with claw foot and pes planus. The RO has requested further development to determine if the veteran's hallux valgus should be considered part of this disability.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims of service connection for foot and stomach disabilities are not well grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, degenerative changes of the right knee, and an umbilical hernia, did not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to February 28, 1995. As a result, his claim for pension benefits was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a permanent and total disability rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral pes planus, finding that the veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and shortening of the right leg, as his claims are not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for internal bleeding and bilateral foot disability, as well as an increased evaluation for tinnitus. The veteran's claims were found to be not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of a convalescent rating beyond February 29, 1996, finding that there was no evidence documenting post-surgical convalescence.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for bilateral flat feet, finding that the disability is currently manifested by moderate symptoms and does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's lumbar strain, chondromalacia patellae (bilateral), residuals of right ankle sprain, and flat feet. The RO assigned a 10 percent evaluation to each condition effective from July 1996.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation to 30 percent for the veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that the condition more nearly approximates the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected plantar wart and soft corn of the right foot, as well as his fungal infection between the fourth and fifth toes. The RO previously granted a 10 percent rating for each condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, hands, arms, loss of feeling in the left hand (4th and 5th fingers), tingling of the arms and legs, gout, and flat feet. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus is no more than moderate in extent and does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of marked deformity, accentuated pain on manipulation, or characteristic callosities. The current manifestations are mild and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected left foot disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent each, and he maintains that a higher evaluation is warranted.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that it more nearly approximates moderate impairment.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that it more nearly approximates severe level of disability with objective evidence consistent with marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, and characteristic callosities. The claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied as there is no competent evidence to support the veteran's lay assertions.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic bilateral plantar calluses, which is higher than the current 30 percent rating. The decision was based on evidence showing significant functional impairment and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and difficulty with standing and walking.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that his symptoms are relieved by built-up shoes or arch support.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease and disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated disc at L4-5 is currently rated as 60 percent disabling, which is the maximum allowed under the rating code. The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.,The effective dates for service connection have been established based on earlier claims filed.