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

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 30 percent evaluation, but his claim for service connection for emphysema due to tobacco dependence was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including upper gastrointestinal bulb disorder, chronic prostatitis, bladder injury residuals, flat feet, hypertension, rupture and strain of the left testicle, circulatory disorder of the legs and feet, muscle strain and cartilage injury of the stomach, heart and chest, hiatal hernia, left leg and groin disability, and broken ribs. The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus with tarsal tunnel syndrome and lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for Reiter's syndrome with bilateral plantar fasciitis and arthralgias of knees, sacroiliac joints, and left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining recent medical records and a VA examination.

The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. If the claim remains denied after this, it will be returned to the Board.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has determined that the veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service beyond its natural progression. Therefore, the claim for service connection for pes planus is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's left foot disability, characterized as hallux limitis of the left foot with forefoot varus deformity and bunion of the left great toe prior to October 27, 1997, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected plantar fasciitis, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the condition primarily manifests as pain and does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD, left and right knee and ankle arthritides, as well as postoperative foot disabilities, have been granted increased evaluations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, foot disability, menstrual disorder, left ear hearing loss, psychiatric disability, hypertension, eye disability, hemorrhoids, and sinus disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests; thus he has an employment handicap. The Board finds that the veteran meets the criteria for entitlement to benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bilateral foot pain and residuals of a right shoulder injury, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to her service.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service, and his current right foot disability is due to osseous deformities present at the time of service. Service connection was granted for the osseous deformities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of muscle damage, severe incomplete paralysis, or significant limitation of motion that would warrant higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and plantar myofascitis of the left foot, with a rating of 10 percent each. The veteran's symptoms are described as pain, crepitus, effusion, and limited endurance in his left knee, while his left foot is essentially asymptomatic.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression and his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux is currently evaluated at 10%. The flat feet are also currently evaluated at 10%. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as requested.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for his right leg fractures, bilateral pes planus, low back disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by service, and there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group XVII, right and left buttocks, as well as traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, do not warrant increased evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for skin disorders and plantar calluses of the feet, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to military service.