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

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current bilateral pes planus to military service or his right ankle disorder. The claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral pes planus, chondromalacia of both knees, and a TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired kidney disorder and additional bilateral foot disorders to include pes planus.

The veteran's service-connected plantar warts and callosities of both feet are currently rated at a combined 20 percent, based on separate 10 percent ratings for each foot. The decision is in favor of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for pes planus and pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his current disabilities were adequately compensated by existing ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and an increased rating for asbestosis. The decision found that the evidence did not support a well-grounded claim for service connection, and that the current disability picture of asbestosis warranted only a 30% evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disability and an increased evaluation for his calcaneal spur with plantar fasciitis and bursitis, finding that there was no well-grounded claim for service connection due to lack of evidence of a current left knee disability. The calcaneal spur with plantar fasciitis and bursitis is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well-grounded and have therefore been denied.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits pursuant to the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left foot disability, based on additional disability due to hospitalization and surgery at a VA facility from June to July 1987 was denied.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned the appropriate disability ratings based on the severity of his service-connected conditions, but did not grant any additional benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts and COPD, all secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation. The VA Assistant Chief Medical Director found it unlikely that these conditions were related to the veteran's in-service exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar calluses, and bilateral fasciitis, as well as his claim for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea cruris. The RO is instructed to obtain VA treatment records since November 1996, schedule the veteran for a VA examination of his feet, and prepare a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for tendonitis of the left and right shoulders, effective from July 1994. The veteran's claims for service connection involving bilateral knee disorders and hallux valgus deformity with plantar corn of the right foot are well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left foot disability, consisting of pes planus and stress reaction, developed during her period of active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral pes planus, and a duodenal ulcer. The denial of service connection is based on the absence of evidence showing that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied service connection for plantar warts and calluses of the feet, as well as claustrophobia. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence showing a current disability or incurrence/aggravation in service.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well grounded and denied them. The March 1996 rating decision assigning a 10% disability rating for bilateral pes planus was not clearly erroneous.

The Board has ordered a VA examination and requested additional development to determine if the veteran's left foot disability was aggravated during service. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral ankle disability, but found that the claims for service connection for bilateral leg and knee disabilities are not well grounded.