Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2002

The appellant's disabilities, including a right foot disability rated at 30 percent and a low back disability, are of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the appeal is granted as the appellant meets the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and foot disability.

The Board previously granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus from March 25, 1996 through January 6, 2000 but denied a current evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The Court ordered the case remanded to the RO due to further development being needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a left foot disorder, finding that her disorders are developmental defects and not disabilities for which service connection can be granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was granted, effective from March 11, 1992. The RO considered newly received service medical records that documented the veteran's in-service treatment for pes planus during his initial active duty for training.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus and clubfoot existed prior to service, but superimposed injury during service resulted in degenerative arthritis. Service connection is granted for bilateral subtalar joint and rear foot arthritis.

The veteran's right foot disability has been granted a 30 percent rating effective from November 1, 1999. His chronic headaches have also been granted a 30 percent rating since May 21, 1997.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's heart disability, duodenal ulcer, lung disability (spot on lung), right hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The headaches were also not granted as service-connected.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, left knee disability, and left ankle and foot disability. The right heel disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than April 13, 1999 for a 100% rating for PTSD based on an initial award and denied his claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus with calluses and hammertoes and tinea pedis.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his death, and no service connection was granted for poor circulation in both legs or bilateral pes planus.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus due to new evidence showing pre-existing conditions during service. Service connection is granted as the veteran's condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, flat feet, and a skin disorder. The evidence does not support these claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his need for a wheelchair primarily caused by other conditions such as back pain, stroke, and obesity.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of either foot or ankle, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran is seeking compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. � 1151 for various disabilities and adverse symptomology as a result of treatment received at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center from February 1998 to August 2001. The claims are denied due to lack of specific evidence regarding increased severity, causation by VA fault, or unforeseeable events.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and also denied his increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claims were both found to be without merit.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU rating were denied. His service-connected bilateral plantar warts with great toe callosity are rated at 30 percent, his residuals of hemorrhoidectomy are rated at 0 percent, and he does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Board determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with a history of weak feet is currently rated at 30 percent, which adequately reflects his current disability picture.