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

The Board has determined that new examinations are necessary to determine the current status of the veteran's service-connected disabilities, and further development is required in order to comply with VA's notification requirements under the VCAA.

The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 1, 1998. The bilateral plantar fasciitis remains at a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluations and records, as well as an opportunity for him to appoint a new representative.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fungal foot infection and orthopedic bilateral foot disability are not service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral pes planus disability, finding that the disability did not more nearly approximate severe than moderate.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). This includes obtaining additional evidence, ensuring proper notification, and arranging for VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for shin splints, foot disorder (pes planus), and hip disorder. Service connection is granted for a low back strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, bilateral pes planus, carcinoma of the colon, and various knee and foot conditions. The RO also denied increased ratings for his right knee disability and compensable evaluations for his left clavicle fracture and bursitis.

The Board denied the motion for revision of a prior decision on grounds of CUE, finding that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus had not been met and that an assignment of a rating on an extraschedular basis was not appropriate.

The Board denied all service connection claims and the claim for an increased evaluation for scoliosis of the lumbar spine. The case is being remanded to develop evidence and consider the claims again.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and granted a 10 percent rating for his bilateral pes planus. The claim for prostatitis was denied, as there is no evidence of current prostatitis or that it was caused by service. No new rating was granted for the veteran's pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, concluding that the appellant's condition did not increase in severity during active military service and thus could not be considered aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for pes planus and service connection for osteoarthritis of his hips, finding that there was no persuasive medical evidence linking the hip arthritis to his service-connected pes planus.

The Board previously denied increased ratings for anxiety neurosis and bilateral pes planus. The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for plantar fasciitis, effective November 7, 2000, based on the evidence of record showing moderate foot injuries. For sinusitis, the RO also assigned a noncompensable evaluation, effective November 7, 2000, due to lack of incapacitating episodes or significant symptoms.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation, including a psychiatric assessment and an examination of the left testicle.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic right foot disability present, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic low back disability and bilateral pes planus, but finds that additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, including fallen arches, as the veteran's current conditions did not stem from a disease or injury he had in service.