Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2006

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, but the VA has determined that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted based on his symptoms and medical findings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability of the left leg and foot, nor does he have a disability of the right leg and foot.,Therefore, service connection for these disabilities is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no basis for a higher rating or to reopen the claim of service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and increased evaluations, finding no current disability or evidence of a disease incurred in service. The tinnitus claim was also denied as there is only one rating available under VA regulations.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted service connection, but there is no legal entitlement for separate 10-percent ratings for tinnitus in both ears.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot condition, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease, and secondary service connection for right foot pes planus, minimal hallux valgus of both great toes, and small muscle strain of both feet. The evidence did not establish that the veteran's conditions were related to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for anxiety reaction and bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus was granted, with a rating of 30 percent each. The issue regarding service connection for a back disorder is still pending.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for bursitis of the right hip and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of current right foot disability and denied service connection for a right foot disorder. For the cervical spine, the Board concluded that the veteran's degenerative joint disease did not warrant an initial rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral callosities, post right foot arthroplasty, and a separate 10 percent rating for a painful scar on the right third toe.

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

The Board has determined that a remand is needed to obtain an opinion on whether the veteran's current foot disability is related to his military service and if it was aggravated by service beyond its natural progression.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and pes planus. Further development is required, including a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records. The issue of financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to missing hospital records and the need for proper VCAA notice regarding effective dates. The case will be returned to the AMC for further action.

The veteran's service-connected left knee injury is currently manifested by DJD, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The right leg and bilateral foot disorders are not found to be related to his service-connected left knee injury.