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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an increased evaluation for seizure disorder, and an increased (compensable) evaluation for flat feet. The evidence does not support granting any of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hand disorder, characterized as stiffness and burning, and for bilateral pes planus. The decision also addressed the proper initial rating for tinnitus and anxiety disorder.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and he was granted a temporary total rating for one month following his right foot bunionectomy/osteotomy. The Board found that the veteran's surgery necessitated no more than one month of convalescence.

The veteran's right leg scars are rated at 10 percent due to their hypersensitivity and limited range of motion.,The left leg scar is rated at 10 percent as it does not result in limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral pes planus disability, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims for service connection of a right knee disability and pes planus, resulting in denial.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and PTSD.

The Board denied a higher rating for plantar warts and callosities, finding the current level of disability does not warrant an increase.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The RO granted service connection and assigned noncompensable evaluations to all disabilities except right ankle arthritis and residual of fracture of the right fibula, which was rated at 20 percent effective December 1, 1998.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting bilateral corrected clubfoot and pes planus did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for flat feet due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral flatfoot condition is rated as noncompensable due to mild symptoms relieved by built-up shoes or arch supports. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes does not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims for flat feet and a GI disorder. The claims for bilateral knee condition, low back disorder, sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus were also denied as not well grounded.

The Board granted secondary service connection for a back disability and assigned a 20 percent rating. The veteran's TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current bilateral foot disability is related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for residuals of left knee medial meniscectomy, service connection for a left total hip replacement as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a left knee medial meniscectomy, and service connection for a left foot disability as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a left knee medial meniscectomy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for otitis media, pes planus, headaches and dizziness, hiatal hernia with GERD, and prostate disorder are well grounded. The claim of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for prostate disorder is also considered well grounded.