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

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected bilateral pes planus with traumatic arthritis in both great toes, currently evaluated as ten (10) percent disabling.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability rating is 80%, which does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a bilateral ankle condition, pes planus, or back condition as a result of his service. The claims for arthritis of the spine and a bilateral knee condition were also denied.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded to the RO for obtaining medical records and conducting necessary development.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, claimed as fallen arches, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The Board also found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during service and could not be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to noise. Service connection for these conditions was therefore denied.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various disabilities, including knee, depression, left foot, and left ankle conditions. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's increased evaluation for bilateral pes planus. The case is now remanded for additional evidence and consideration.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and granted service connection for right pes planus. Additionally, the Board has also granted service connection for residuals of a right thumb injury due to aggravation during active duty.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to assess his bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hallux valgus, and service-connected bilateral talonavicular junction arthritis superimposed on pes planus. The appeal is remanded for these actions.

The veteran's pre-existing foot disorder, pes planus, was found to have been aggravated by his military service. The claim for a higher evaluation in excess of 20 percent for TMJ syndrome with myofascial pain syndrome remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 100% evaluation, effective from March 1998. The veteran's other claims are pending.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending requests for additional evidence. The appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet and a disorder of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The veteran entered service with preexisting pes planus that did not undergo an increase in severity during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left foot disorder, manifested by osteoarthritis and limited motion, more nearly approximates a moderately severe impairment. The disability picture is therefore granted a 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed kidney, bilateral knee, bilateral foot, right hand, and right wrist disabilities are not related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The veteran's increased ratings for plantar fasciitis of the left and right feet have been granted.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected left heel plantar fasciitis. The Board has requested additional development, including obtaining private medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of the disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, chronic bilateral foot disability, back disability, dental disorder, and sinusitis, were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The VA has provided extensive development of the claims but found no evidence to support these assertions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to failure to provide VCAA notice.

The veteran's service-connected pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if his disability warrants a higher evaluation.