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

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected plantar keratoma due to a plantar flexed third metatarsal of the left foot and hammertoes of the left foot warrants an increased disability rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of the January 2003 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral ankle and foot disabilities are not service-connected, as they did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation. The VA examinations have found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have pes planus, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome that are service-connected. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for a heart condition, PTSD evaluation, pes planus evaluation, and hearing loss. The Board has determined that these claims must be remanded due to procedural errors.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have resulted in a moderate degree of functional impairment since January 24, 2001. The VA determined that the veteran is entitled to a 10 percent evaluation for this condition effective from January 24, 2001.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 40 percent for service-connected low back disability, effective from the date of the most recent VA examination in March 1993. The claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was reopened and granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection of his left knee condition and bilateral flat foot condition. However, the claims were denied as there is no evidence showing aggravation during service or a link between current conditions and active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore his claims are denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability, bilateral foot disability, or groin injury. The veteran did not have any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions during service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking his current disabilities to service.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus, but denied the claims for increased ratings for residual scars on the right leg, buttock, and ankle.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for low back disability, hypertension, left hand disability, right hand disability, right foot disability, and left foot disability. The only condition found was a current diagnosis of GERD.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent, which was granted in October 2003. The RO increased the rating from noncompensable to 10 percent effective the date of claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, degenerative changes and hallux valgus. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or link them to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in the case, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for left thumb and foot disabilities are being remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, thoracic outlet syndrome, and spinal tumor. The decision also noted that hypertension was not related to an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for lumbosacral strain prior to February 22, 2004 and a 10 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are evaluated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has denied the veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for flat feet and a heart murmur, finding that the new evidence submitted does not meet the criteria for being both new and material.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left foot disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is rated at 30 percent. Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for talonavicular arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for the appellant's claimed conditions, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by service and thus did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.