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

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a crush injury to the right foot with traumatic arthritis are rated at 20 percent, and his skin disorder is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The dental issue will be addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's combined schedular rating is 70 percent or greater, and his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain, bilateral flat feet, hepatitis, and chronic gastritis. The decision is based on a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for pes planus due to new evidence provided by a private physician. The issue is now on the merits.

The veteran's service-connected plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur have been awarded compensable initial ratings of 10 percent.

The RO denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for flat feet. The case is being returned to the RO for further administrative review due to improper file review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, finding no evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently does not have bilateral plantar warts and therefore, a compensable evaluation is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected plantar fasciitis and an increased rating for his service-connected plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for reinstatement of evaluations for Achilles tendinitis with plantar fasciitis are granted, effective from November 1, 1990.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to inadequate evidence and the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disability, characterized as residuals of healed fractures of the fourth and fifth metatarsals with hammertoe of the fourth toe and plantar wart on the fifth metatarsal, most closely approximates severe foot disability. The RO awarded an increased rating to 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not meet or exceed the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent, as there is no evidence of pronounced flatfoot with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. The preponderance of the evidence supports the current 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a foot disability and left arm disability, including residuals of frostbite of the hand and fingers. The veteran's current foot disabilities were not present during her active military service or for many years after her separation from service and did not have their origin during service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for dry eye syndrome and disability of the digestive tract based on surgeries performed by VA, as well as for extension beyond February 28, 1991, of a temporary total rating based on need for convalescence following surgery performed on November 28, 1990. The claims for service connection are also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right ear hearing loss and an increased rating for residuals of right (major) 5th finger fracture, but granted service connection for a back condition secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral tinnitus, COPD, myocardial infarction, and hypertension are all service-connected. The evidence shows these conditions were incurred in service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis, bilateral defective hearing, and plantar corns of both feet were denied by the RO. The case is now remanded to schedule VA examinations and consider the claim under both the former and revised applicable schedular criteria.