Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to consider new evidence and obtain medical opinions regarding the veteran's knee disorder and flat feet.

The Board found that the veteran's current left foot disorders, including calcaneal and talus stress reactions, plantar fasciitis, and hallux rigidus with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also determined that these conditions are not related to a disease or injury of service origin.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left foot disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination and VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for plantar keratosis and service connection for a left knee disability, finding that her bilateral plantar keratosis warranted a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7819-7804. The Board also found no evidence to support the veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability secondary to her service-connected plantar keratosis.

The Board denied service connection for right foot disability and PTSD, and did not address the initial rating claims. The veteran's current symptoms of knee and foot disabilities are related to his active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a bilateral foot disability, back disability, or left knee disability related to active service. The numbness of the right arm is also not considered secondary to a service-connected back disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus, Achilles tendonitis, degenerative joint disease of the feet, bilateral calluses of the feet, and plantar fasciitis. The appeals are granted.

The veteran's flat feet and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities were incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran did not submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability, characterized by pes planus with bone deformity. The November 1980 rating decision denying this claim is final.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to her service-connected bilateral pes planus and traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, including requests for higher ratings and earlier effective dates. She also seeks service connection for a right hip arthroplasty and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residual disability from that procedure.

The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for accrued benefits purposes due to the veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet with bunions and calluses. The claim for SMC based on loss of use of a foot or both feet is denied as there was no evidence of anatomical loss, loss of use of one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes, permanent bedridden status, or need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current diagnosis of metatarsalgia secondary to hammer toes and callous formation on the right foot with his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current metatarsalgia of both feet is related to service, but denied her claims for left knee disorder, plantar warts of the left foot, and blisters of the right foot as these conditions were not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, right total hip replacement, flat feet, and lower extremity radiculopathy, render him unemployable due to constant pain and limited mobility. The Board finds that a total rating based on individual unemployability is warranted.

The Board found no evidence of a right foot injury during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and vertigo. The left leg gunshot wound was evaluated as noncompensable.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic right knee disability, arthritis of the left great toe, or bilateral foot disorder (including flat feet) that was incurred in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions and thus, service connection cannot be established. The veteran's claims are denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral pes planus, finding that the condition has been manifested by complaints of bilateral foot pain on use and fatigue with objective findings including bilateral foot deformity (shown to be no more than moderate), full range of motion without pain, full strength in both feet, and no calluses or swelling. The veteran wears arch supports.

The veteran's right elbow disability was found to have full range of motion without additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology from December 1, 1994 to January 2, 2000. After that date, the disability is productive of pain on limited motion with no additional function loss.,The veteran's bilateral foot disability has been productive of not more than moderate impairment without additional function loss due to pain or other pathology.