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

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for scoliosis with lumbar pain and bilateral flat feet with bunions due to incomplete compliance with notification requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, chronic bursitis dorsum first metatarsal postoperative, and saddle bone deformities of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint. All three conditions are now considered service-connected.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to his left leg and right knee, as well as bilateral pes planus. The current ratings are 20% each for the left leg and right knee conditions, and a 10% rating for bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice, incomplete development of records, and the need to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, pes planus, malaria, sinusitis, left inguinal hernia, residuals of a spider bite of the left groin, and back disability. The claim for right ear hearing loss is granted as incurred in service, but the issue remains pending with respect to compensable ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the veteran's pes planus and its relationship to military service. The veteran is requested to provide information about his treatment history, including VA and non-VA health care providers who have treated him for this condition since separation from military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a TDIU based on CUE in prior RO rating decisions, as there was no clear and unmistakable error that would have changed the outcome.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a lumbosacral spine disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and major depressive disorder.

The case is being remanded to the RO due to incomplete documentation and the need for additional medical examinations. The appellant's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and an upcoming appointment at a VA medical center.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral plantar lesions, which he claims originated during his military service. The VA has ordered a remand to provide an appropriate examination and consider the claim.

The Board denied service connection for bone spurs of both feet and bilateral pes planus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral ankle sprains, finding that these conditions were incurred in active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected pes planus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis warrants a 10 percent rating, as her symptoms more closely align with moderate flatfoot rather than severe.

The veteran's service-connected sinusitis was rated at 10 percent from September 9, 1996 through October 6, 2001; and at 30 percent from October 7, 1996 through July 24, 2001.,The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was not rated as compensable.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus. The left ankle disability and skin disease claims are denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition or relationship to service.

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