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

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral pes planus. The case is remanded to obtain updated medical records, provide a VA examination to assess the etiology and onset of any current psychiatric disorders and pes planus, and determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left foot disabilities, tinnitus, and hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, left knee chondromalacia, and right knee chondromalacia as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is February 26, 1990.

The RO denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left foot disability.

The veteran's right foot condition is rated as 10 percent for plantar warts. Service connection was denied for asbestosis and skin cancer.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected fracture residuals of the right foot, which more nearly approximates severe foot injury.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's discharge from active duty was due to unsatisfactory performance, not a service-connected disability. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility criteria for Chapter 30 educational assistance benefits.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and upper respiratory infections were aggravated by his military service, warranting a grant of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis and dyspepsia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that the veteran's symptoms were present in service and have continued since then.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right foot disabilities are currently evaluated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 5284. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation for these conditions.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total convalescent rating under paragraph 30 benefits, finding that he did not meet the criteria for such benefits after February 1, 1996.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bipolar disorder was also granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective from February 1, 1993. Other claims were continued at their prior evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a scheduled VA examination being cancelled and the veteran not reporting for it. The RO must ensure that all notification and development actions required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 are completed.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was first manifested in service and is considered to have been incurred therein. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the claim for entitlement to service connection for the residuals of a right wrist injury due to lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal. The left eye claim was not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired foot disorder, finding that his pre-existing foot disorders did not worsen during service and there is no evidence of frostbite or cold exposure causing current foot problems.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral pes planus with calluses.