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

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals, injury to the mid and lower back from January 29, 1991 to November 8, 1994 or for bilateral pes planus from January 29, 1991 to November 8, 1994. The evaluation for postoperative residuals of the left shoulder was increased to 20 percent effective November 9, 1994.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that it was pronounced and met the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric disabilities, are denied as there is no direct evidence of these conditions in service or a link to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the service-connected genital herpes and plantar fasciitis, finding that symptoms are not controlled by continuous treatment.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and determined that his preexisting condition was aggravated during active duty, granting him service connection.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability does not prevent him from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not meet the basic entitlement requirements for Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, a skin disorder affecting the feet, and residuals of a status post mass on the left foot in April 1986. The decision found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and bilateral pes planus, as well as his claim of service connection for painful low back, legs, and knees secondary to service-connected pes planus. The RO was directed to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The veteran's left foot disability was incurred in service, and her heart murmur was not shown to be related to service. The other conditions were either not found or are presumed to have been caused by the veteran's active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, characterized as 'severe' by examiners, does not warrant a higher disability evaluation due to lack of pronounced symptoms such as marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The current 30 percent rating is appropriate given his symptoms including pain and swelling.

The veteran's service-connected orthopedic conditions of the feet have produced an aggregate impairment equivalent to pronounced bilateral pes planus, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment by VA of unauthorized medical treatment provided from February 5, 1998 to March 26, 1999 was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability was denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral foot disorder, diagnosed as intractable plantar keratoses, was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, finding that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury and bilateral pes planus. The RO previously denied these claims in December 1976, finding no evidence of service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and was not aggravated by military service. The left patellar tendonitis with traumatic retropatellar pain syndrome is currently not manifested by locking, arthritis, crepitus, swelling, effusion, laxity or instability, weakness or limitation of motion (with range of motion from 0 to 140 degrees); the knee was not found to be tender or painful. Therefore, service connection for bilateral pes planus and a compensable initial evaluation for left patellar tendonitis with traumatic retropatellar pain syndrome were denied.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for left foot plantar surface callus of the fourth metatarsal head, finding that the disability is manifested as no more disabling than a moderate foot injury.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral leg disorder. The claim for pes planus with degenerative joint disease of the right foot remains pending.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability rating for bilateral pes planus from 30 to 10 percent was not properly implemented and restored the original 30 percent rating.