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

The veteran's exercise-induced asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia at 10 percent, and plantar fasciitis with bilateral heel spurs at non-compensable. The appeals for higher ratings are granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent prior to June 9, 2001. As of June 9, 2001, the veteran's condition warranted a 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, which is severe with malalignment of the Achilles tendon correctable on manipulation, warrants a 30 percent evaluation under DC 5276. The criteria for a higher evaluation are not met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux abductovalgus deformities, finding that her pre-existing condition existed prior to entry into service and did not undergo any increase in severity during service.

The Board found that the veteran's right thigh fracture pre-existed service and was not aggravated therein. The right ankle/foot disability is not considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, as well as plantar fasciitis of both feet. The evidence does not support a finding that any current conditions are related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and an increased rating for bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not show current residuals of frostbite of the feet, and the medical findings related to the pes planus were consistent with a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and chronic neuritis, status post left third and fourth metatarsal digital neurectomy, and thrombophlebitis of the left calf.

The Board has denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, finding that these conditions pre-existed his military service and were not aggravated by it.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, finding no clinical evidence of such a condition during his military service and concluding that any current fibromas in his right foot did not have their onset during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's bilateral pes planus, effective from February 1, 1999. The condition is characterized by severe pronation syndrome and hammertoe deformity.

The Board found that the veteran's pes planus, hearing loss, and tinnitus were not service-connected as they did not meet the criteria for service connection under direct service connection or any other applicable theory of entitlement. The veteran's flat feet preexisted his military service and worsened during active duty, but this was not considered aggravation due to service. His hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service.

The VA denied a request for an increased rating for clawtoe, little, right foot with plantar keratosis with postoperative fusion, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected plantar warts, both feet, finding that the condition did not warrant a higher disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis of the right and left feet were granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for restoration of his disability ratings was not considered abandoned due to failure to report for a scheduled examination. The RO reinstated the same ratings based on re-examination in December 1998, confirming and continuing the prior evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding no in-service diagnosis and no medical evidence linking current symptoms to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot disability, manifested by degenerative joint disease, severe pain, plantar fasciitis, neuritis, mild peripheral neuropathy, and limitation of motion, warrants a 30 percent evaluation.