Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2004

The veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, vascular malformation of the right forearm, ulcerative colitis, tinea cruris and onychomycosis of the toenails, and panic disorder and major depression are all denied.,Service connection is granted for tinea pedis (toenail fungus) based on service connection already established.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and adjudication, including the consideration of her claims for increased ratings for service-connected disabilities and a TDIU. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records and conduct a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected conditions on her employability.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on his reported combat experience. His bilateral foot disorder claim is denied due to failure to report for a VA examination.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus. The decision will determine if this claim should be reopened based on the submitted evidence.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, which is the minimum compensable rating for this condition.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for left knee disability, effective from April 1999. The right ankle fracture and bilateral pes planus are each rated as non-compensable.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is no more than severe in degree and granted a noncompensable rating, which was increased to 30 percent. The appeal for an increased rating remains.

The RO granted increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, and status post fracture of the right distal tibia and fibula. The initial evaluation for chronic intermittent low back strain was also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder, including arthritis. The rating assigned is 100% (total disability rating). The claimant's pes planus was also found to be related to service and the RO should consider whether it warrants an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for another travel board hearing.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for earlier effective date, increased rating, and reopening of a claim for ulcers. The remaining issues are related to knee disabilities, pes planus, and skin conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's amputations of the left 4th and 5th toes were a result of VA's negligent failure to promptly diagnose and treat his puncture wound, resulting in additional disability. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right upper arm disorder, viral syndrome, or plantar fasciitis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia. The other claims related to hearing loss, postoperative right foot disability, and right knee disability are pending further development.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen any of the claims. The issues were related to residuals of a back injury and chronic pes planus.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it is manifested by pain on use without other significant symptoms or functional impairment.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, finding that the condition was not present during service or caused by any incident of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hallux hammertoe of both great toes and plantar warts of the right foot, as well as his attempt to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The RO had previously denied these claims in January 1994 without reopening the hearing loss claim.

The RO granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for the veteran's psoriatic arthritis of multiple joints with fibromyalgia of plantar foot tendons from September 1, 2000, through March 10, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral pes planus.