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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of service connection for lumbar strain with disc protrusion at L5-S1 and gout will be addressed in the remand portion.

The veteran's service-connected right foot condition, chronic tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not demonstrate more than moderate impairment.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by complaints of cramps in both arches, pain on palpation, severe collapsing pronation, and spasticity. The disability reasonably approximates pronounced impairment, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected right foot disorder, effective as of the date of the decision. The claim for secondary service connection for a low back disability is also granted.

The veteran's claim for a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is denied as her service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's weak and flat feet, finding that his symptoms are equivalent to severe bilateral flatfoot.

The Board granted an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bunions, but denied service connection for a scar of the left foot as a residual of an injury, tinea pedis claimed as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bunions, hemorrhoids, and sinusitis and perennial sinorhinitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorder and bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis for a higher rating.,The veteran's service-connected bilateral otitis media does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under current VA regulations.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis of the subtalar joints are currently rated at 50% and 10%, respectively. The Board denied an increased rating for his foot disability, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes. For TDIU, the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and right plantar fasciitis with an anterior calcaneal spur, finding that these conditions likely began during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no medical evidence demonstrating marked deformity, swelling on use, or characteristic callosities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back injury and did not address the higher initial evaluation for bilateral pes planus with postoperative residuals of fracture of the right 5th toe. The veteran's current disability ratings were unchanged.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disability does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to loss of use, as he still retains effective function in his left foot.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, and the Board has determined that this evaluation is appropriate based on the current level of disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation for limitation of motion, effective from September 10, 1993. The veteran's right plantar fasciitis is also rated at 20 percent since September 10, 1993.

The VA denied service connection for pes planus of the left foot, finding that there is no current disability and no link to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral foot disability, and back disability have been denied. The evidence submitted did not meet the criteria to reopen these previously denied claims.