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

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis, COPD, and plantar fasciitis of the left foot were denied by the Board. The veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for his hiatal hernia, does not meet criteria for a compensable rating for COPD, and meets schedular criteria for a 10 percent rating for his plantar fasciitis.

The veteran is not entitled to payment of interest on retroactive disability compensation received for service-connected disability from September 1, 1961 to January 12, 1966.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a higher rating, as it primarily manifests as complaints of foot pain on use and manipulation. The current 10 percent rating is appropriate based on the symptoms described.

The RO granted an increased rating of 10 percent for pes planus with bunions postoperative and hallux valgus, effective June 22, 2004. The RO denied service connection for tinea versicolor and residuals of injury, left thigh, finding that the veteran had not submitted new and material evidence to reopen the claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of his request to withdraw an appeal regarding right ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus warrants a 50% evaluation, effective from June 18, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and service connection for a low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection and assigned a 10% evaluation for migraine headaches, effective August 18, 2002. The veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated as noncompensable, while allergic rhinitis is also rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action on reopening a claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, and to determine whether there was clear and unmistakable error in rating decisions denying service connection for bronchitis. The veteran's pes planus is not currently service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a disability rating of 30 percent for his service-connected bilateral plantar callosities, hammer toes, and plantar fasciitis.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred or aggravated during active service. The claim for PTSD is pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected plantar fasciitis and sinusitis do not warrant a compensable rating based on their current manifestations.

The Board found no evidence of a wrist disability and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The remaining issues on appeal are pending, but will be deferred until completion of the requested medical examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, as there is no objective evidence of marked deformity such as pronation or abduction, swelling on use, or characteristic callosities.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's tinea pedis with callus on the plantar aspect of his right foot, finding that it affects more than 5 percent but less than 20 percent of his entire body and does not require immunosuppressive therapy.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a right foot injury, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations were denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, benign positional vertigo, lung disability, and PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.