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

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is manifested by no more than mild tenderness to palpation with bilateral plantar fasciitis. The RO denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's service-connected pes planus.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and retropatellar pain syndrome were denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability or a rating in excess of 10 percent for skin condition and knee disability.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis were also denied as there was no additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the appellant's claim for benefits has been submitted. However, a determination on the underlying issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus will be deferred.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 10 percent from May 31, 1995 to August 22, 2000.,From August 23, 2000 onwards, the veteran's condition improved with orthopedic inserts and is no longer considered pronounced.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during active duty.

The veteran's initial disability evaluations for bilateral pes planus and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees have been denied as his conditions do not warrant higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for a 10% evaluation for his service-connected right ankle disability, effective from April 9, 2002. The Board also found that there was no earlier effective date for the flat feet condition as it did not meet the criteria under VA regulations.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1978 rating decision that denied service connection for pes planus, as the evidence at the time supported the conclusion that the veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during his active duty.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disability and bilateral ankle disability, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The decision also noted that the veteran's tinnitus was rated at the maximum under the old criteria but no evidence showed it presented an exceptional disability picture.

The Board has determined that new evidence submitted by the veteran supports reopening his claim for service connection of stasis dermatitis. However, the increased evaluation request for flat feet remains denied as there is no additional evidence to support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic right ankle sprain and bilateral pes planus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, and the issue of reopening the pes planus claim is no longer before the Board.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's left foot disability and left ear hearing loss, as well as service connection for degenerative joint disease of the spine and right knee claimed as secondary to his left foot disability. The claim of service connection for a left ankle disability was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for entitlement to service connection for flat feet and right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of recurrent plantar fibromatosis and pes planus of the left foot, with deformity, more nearly approximate those present in severe injury to the foot. As a result, the veteran is granted an increased rating to 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not warrant a compensable disability rating, as it is only mild in degree with no inward bowing of the Achilles tendon or weight-bearing line over the great toe.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for postoperative residuals of cholecystectomy and left plantar fasciitis, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral athlete's foot. The veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of an abscess of the left foot, including pain and swelling as well as plantar fasciitis, do not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Codes 7804 or 5284.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet do not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his other non-service connected disabilities, including pulmonary emphysema and arteriosclerotic heart disease.