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

The veteran's appeal is about obtaining an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a left foot disability. The case has been remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar warts are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, which is in line with the criteria for a moderate impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, acquired during service, was not aggravated by service and therefore cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back, right foot, and right ankle disabilities do not warrant an increased rating as they are currently evaluated.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is manifested by severe pain and tenderness, affecting his mobility. The Board has determined that the disability meets the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected bilateral pes planus was denied as the disability does not meet the schedular requirements for such a rating.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, eye problems, back issues, knee disabilities, hypertension, and a cerebrovascular accident. The decision also addressed bilateral pes planus and seizure disorder.

The veteran's service-connected sensory/motor polyneuropathy of the right foot and left foot, as well as his residuals of a tibial sesamoidectomy and partial metatarsectomy of the 5th metatarsal with hallux valgus and pes planus in both feet, have been granted increased ratings to 20 percent each.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected duodenal ulcer and bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, manifested by mild symptoms including lateral flattening and a minimal inferior calcaneal bony spur, does not warrant an increased disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for pes planus and dermatitis, finding that the evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating under either the old or revised VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for post-operative residuals of left tibiofibular fracture with pes planus of the left foot and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lower back and prostate cancer with radical prostectomy, have resulted in permanent loss of use of both legs. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent, and his service-connected disabilities do not render him individually unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left ankle disabilities as well as pes planus, with a 10% rating effective from the date of decision.

The Board granted a temporary total rating for convalescence from May 5, 1998 through June 1998 and assigned a 30 percent schedular evaluation from July 1, 1998. The veteran's bilateral pes planus was characterized by severe pronation, pain, and tenderness that affected his mobility.

The veteran's claims for service connection for nonspecific polyneuropathy (claimed as a bilateral foot disability and bilateral lower extremity disability) and low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right knee disability are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for plantar warts, finding no current evidence of the condition and thus concluding there was no service connection.