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

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased rating for pes planus with hammertoe deformities, status post left bunionectomy is denied as there is no evidence of marked pronation, inward displacement, severe spasm of the Achilles tendon, or extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet.

The Board is remanding the case to consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability. The appellant was previously denied service connection for this condition, but her claims were reopened due to diagnosed chronic acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, epidermatophytosis of the feet, and hemorrhoids. The current rating for each condition remains unchanged.

The veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral pes planus with chronic metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, overlapping right second toe, callosities and hammertoes was denied. The November 1976 rating decision denying service connection was found not to contain clear and unmistakable error.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied as the disability is currently evaluated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and bilateral pes planus with calluses, finding that new evidence did not present a plausible claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral weak feet with toe clawing, plantar and toe callosities, and arthritic changes is being remanded due to the need for additional VA outpatient treatment records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for primary and secondary service connection for his skin disorder, as well as a claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain. The decision also noted that the veteran's plantar calluses of both feet are caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, making it well grounded. The other issues on appeal will be addressed in the REMAND section.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet, finding that it was not well-grounded due to a preexisting condition and no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral foot disorder, specifically plantar fasciitis, was aggravated during his period of active service. The left leg disorder is still under consideration as additional development is needed.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's bilateral pes planus with callosities, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, bilateral foot disability, and headaches are not well grounded. The claim for a higher original rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left neck is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral eye disorder, pes planus, and a separate compensable rating for gout/arthritis (secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis).

The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected pes planus, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the current symptoms and findings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have foot or knee disabilities that are the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence. The original denial was based on the absence of inservice aggravation or onset, as well as the presence of pre-existing conditions.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected pes planus is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a traveling member of the Board.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the pre-existing condition did not worsen during active duty and there was no evidence of aggravation.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a 30 percent rating granted for bilateral pes planus and pes cavus with plantar fasciitis.