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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating on an extraschedular basis for his service-connected pes planus, currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with fibrosis, plantar fasciitis, muscle strain, and chronic synovitis and degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joints is manifested by bilateral foot pain on manipulation and use but without significant deformity or characteristic callosities. The criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent are not met.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected bilateral pes planus, which was previously rated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's bilateral flat feet and Morton's neuroma are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left foot disability, finding that it causes moderate to severe functional loss due to pain. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on arthritis or other specific diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for CUE in the October 1971 rating decision and for an earlier effective date for service connection. The claim for CUE was denied as there was no clear and unmistakable error, and the effective date of September 23, 1997, is correct.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for plantar warts of the right foot, hemorrhoids, and atrophy of the right testicle as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left leg and foot disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has found that the veteran does not have a current right foot disability and that any such disability is not related to his active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a right foot disability is denied.