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

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection for plantar warts and/or calluses of the left foot. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination and a merits analysis.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding his claim to reopen service connection for pes planus, and thus the issue is dismissed.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle and foot disability, but denied his claim for hypertension. The left leg disability claim was reopened due to new evidence provided since the last denial in 1989.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of severe impairment warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals seeking a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and did not undergo an increase in severity, beyond natural progress, therein. Therefore, it was denied as service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left shoulder bursitis and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis, as it was only indicative of moderate impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability ratings for various conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis of multiple joints, and bilateral pes planus. The decision was final regarding a previous denial of service connection for a mood disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and denied his increased evaluation claims for bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not establish a nexus between the veteran's current low back disorder and his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition was aggravated by service and addressing the relationship between his right foot disability and any in-service injury. The pulmonary claim is also inextricably intertwined with the right knee claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected residuals of plantar warts, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that there is no current left foot disability and the medical evidence does not support a nexus between any incident of service and the veteran's claimed conditions. Therefore, service connection for both the left foot disability and hypertension was denied.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person is not due to his service-connected disabilities, but rather due to his limited eyesight, along with other nonservice-connected impairment. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot and low back disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it was not manifested by pronounced bilateral acquired flatfoot with marked pronation and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for chondromalacia of the patella, right and left knees. The Board also found that the veteran's current bilateral knee condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right foot disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of their current assigned disability ratings.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as it no longer has jurisdiction over the case.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations.