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

The veteran's disabilities, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes due to their combined effect on his ability to work.

The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are denied as they are not well-grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus, and flat feet. The claims for chondromalacia of the knees are also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hallux valgus of the left foot, which is a result of aggravation from his service-connected pes planus, warrants a separate disability rating. The bilateral pes planus remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for service connection for pes planus is not well grounded due to lack of competent evidence linking current findings to service.,For the psychiatric disorder, excluding PTSD, the Board also found it not well grounded as there was no competent medical evidence linking post-service findings to service. However, the Board noted that the appellant's pre-existing PTSD likely increased in severity during active service.

The Board found that the veteran's disability of metatarsalgia and plantar callosities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, thus denying his claim.

The Board found that the July 1987 RO rating decision did not contain CUE and denied a total rating for compensation purposes based on unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral foot and knee disabilities were aggravated by active duty, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a central nervous system disorder, low back disorder (including spina bifida occulta), bilateral foot disorder (including pes planus), and genitourinary disorder (including hydronephrosis and/or pyelonephritis) are not well grounded. The RO denied these claims in January 1955, which is considered final.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is in excess of what was initially granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral pes planus is well grounded and remanded to allow for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus and left hallux valgus was not well grounded due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking his current disabilities to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral foot disability. The appeal was not about service connection at all, as the issues were related to the severity of the disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for flat feet, low back disorder, and cyst on spine.,For the neck disorder claim, the Board found the veteran's claim is not well grounded due to lack of credible supporting evidence for his claimed inservice stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and hypertension, finding no new and material evidence to reopen them.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 2, 1997, for the grant of TDIU benefits due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for malaria and pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of active malaria or compensable residuals from pes planus.

The Board found no evidence of a hammertoe or pes planus during service and the veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

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