Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss, decreased visual acuity in the right eye, flat feet, and broken arches were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The claim for these conditions is therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral pes planus, with myalgia of both legs, currently rated at 30 percent, is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability, right ankle fracture residuals, and plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that he was unemployable due to nonservice-connected disabilities. The RO is instructed to obtain treatment records and conduct further examinations to determine if the veteran's service-connected conditions alone prevent him from working.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new evidence did not warrant reopening his claims. The left knee arthritis was rated at 10 percent, while the right knee disorder and flat feet were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a left inguinal hernia and flat feet, as well as his claim for an increased rating for sinus condition. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service and denied his claim for service connection. The left foot injury was also denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the rating decision was not addressed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims as he did not file a timely substantive appeal within one year of the August 1998 rating decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected pes planus with degenerative joint disease of the feet is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and analysis.

The veteran's service-connected right patellar tendinitis and lumbosacral strain were granted increased ratings, while the other conditions remained at their current levels. The veteran's hypertension was also granted an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, and her postoperative hammer toes of the right 4th and 5th toes do not warrant any compensation. The decision is based on objective medical findings.

The veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a cyst of the right side of the neck, gastroenteritis, an eye disorder, a plantar wart, an injury of the foot, a skin rash, blisters of the hands, and right wrist injury are all granted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis and assigned the effective date of July 28, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, a pilonidal cyst, and pes planus with calcaneal spurs due to lack of current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot callosity, bilateral knee disorders, and lumbar spine disability. The veteran is currently receiving the maximum available rating for his right knee and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral pes planus, and diabetes mellitus, contribute to his need for regular aid and attendance. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent since April 25, 1997 and will remain so until July 11, 2000.