Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence showed that the condition was primarily manifested by complaints of pain on use without characteristic deformity, callosities and swelling.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations for the service-connected flat feet and fracture of the little toe of the left foot were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The claim for service connection for migraine headaches was not well-grounded.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right foot disorder and left foot disorder, finding that his pre-existing conditions worsened during military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for pes planus (flat feet) as no permanent increase in severity was found during her active duty.

The veteran's claims for abdominal numbness, bladder infections, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability were all denied. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the right ring finger was granted with a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current musculoskeletal disorder of the feet began during his active duty and is related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran's current bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as neurovascular dysfunction of both feet, is related to his period of active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's bilateral pes planus and his claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current pes planus, bilateral hammertoe deformities with bunions and blisters, or circulatory problems of the lower extremities to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a bone, joint, muscle, ligament, nerve, or physical stress disability that is service-connected. The preponderance of evidence supports this conclusion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left leg disability, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left foot disability, and an increased evaluation for residuals of colostomy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right foot disability was incurred during his active duty service and granted entitlement to service connection.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 50 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The RO has granted an increased evaluation for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of one or both feet, hands, vision, or ankylosis of knees or hips. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with special adaptive equipment are not met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left foot disability, finding that it did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a left ankle and foot disability in service or within one year post-service, and the veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings in various conditions, finding that none of the conditions warranted a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral flat feet with traumatic arthritis, left foot tarsal tunnel syndrome, and right foot tarsal tunnel syndrome are denied as the highest schedular rating available is already assigned.