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

The veteran is seeking increased ratings for his service-connected left knee arthritis, right knee chondromalacia patella and bilateral pes planus. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with localized degenerative arthritis, effective from July 23, 2005.

The veteran is seeking compensation benefits for a disability of the left foot, which she claims resulted from treatment at a VA medical facility in September 1990. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a lack of timely substantive appeal regarding the December 1999 rating decision concerning an increased rating for a bilateral foot disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus with right foot abrasion, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and PTSD and depression were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during active service or related to any established event, injury, or disease in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure proper notice and assistance in connection with the veteran's claims for service connection. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of cold injuries to both lower extremities and increased the disability rating for left ankle disability from noncompensable to 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, a left foot disability (including pes planus), and a right hip disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service medical records and the need for proper VCAA notice.

The VA determined that the appellant's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during his military service beyond its natural progression.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left foot, increased ratings for his left hip disability and dysthymic disorder. The veteran did not have a current diagnosis of arthritis in the left foot. His left hip disability was rated as 10 percent disabling since November 12, 2004, effective date of service connection. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeals for a higher rating for his bilateral pes planus and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new medical examinations, updated treatment records, and proper VCAA notice.

The VA has not provided a clear decision on whether the veteran's asbestos-related disease and pes planus are service-connected. The claim for asbestos-related disease remains pending, while the claim for pes planus is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total rating beyond September 30, 2003, based on convalescence due to surgical treatment of his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected foot disabilities. The case is being REMANDED for these actions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating on her service-connected bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus with bunions, deformed right talonavicular joint and displaced posterior tibial tendons, bilaterally is denied as the disability is already rated at its maximum.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and low back disability, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the latter claim.

The Board has determined that timely notice of disagreement was filed on the January 2002 denial of service connection for sleep apnea. The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, pes planus, and sleep apnea is being remanded for further development.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his service connection claims for bilateral pes planus and tinea pedis. The RO must provide a corrective VCAA notice, review the new and material claims, and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case if any benefit sought on appeal remains denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his service connection claims and increased rating claim.