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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and flat feet. The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was previously denied in February 1967, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim. For flat feet, there is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability or link it to military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(k) for loss of use of the left foot is being remanded due to inadequate examination and development needs.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral pes planus from September 26, 1990 to June 8, 2000. The reasons were that the veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The veteran's left foot disability, which includes post-operative surgeries and hallux valgus, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disability and a back disability, finding that there is no evidence of chronic disabilities during or after service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his dermatophytosis of the feet and bilateral pes planus (flat feet), both currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities, and therefore denied his service connection claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for back and bilateral foot disabilities, finding no new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The RO also denied an increased rating for PTSD from October 15, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, right knee disability, and a higher initial rating for low back strain. The veteran's low back strain was rated at 20 percent disabling from August 15, 2003.

The veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and ankylosing spondylitis were denied, while his claim for increased evaluation of varicose veins was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and foot and ankle disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's case is being remanded for further development, including a VA podiatry examination to determine the etiology and extent of any bilateral foot disabilities present.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including low back disability (including arthritis), bilateral pes planus, scarring behind the ears, and chronic headache disability, were not incurred or aggravated during his first period of active military service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The veteran's claims for initial ratings higher than the assigned 10 percent and 20 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis and left foot hallux rigidus, respectively, were granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and right Achilles' tendonitis were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's appeal regarding earlier effective dates for service connection and ratings was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing at the RO before a traveling Veterans Law Judge.