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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that none of the conditions met the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and bilateral plantar fasciitis do not warrant initial compensable or increased ratings, respectively.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that there is no evidence of a related injury or disease in service and insufficient competent medical evidence linking current pes planus to service.

The Board denied service connection for HSV and the initial compensable rating for residuals of fracture to the left little toe. The veteran's claims were remanded, but no new evidence was provided that would warrant reopening the claim.

The Board found no current evidence of rheumatoid arthritis, recurrent urinary tract infection, pes planus, recurrent ear infection, or tonsillitis. The claims for these conditions were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support the presence of a present disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that neither condition warranted a higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus of the right foot and denied service connection for a right elbow disability. The veteran's flexion contracture of the left hand is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that the veteran's current condition was aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and increased the evaluation of the postoperative right inguinal hernia. The ratings for bilateral plantar warts and left varicocele remain noncompensable.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for pes planus is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and correction of VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing at the Waco, Texas Regional Office.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the issues of increased rating for bilateral flat feet, service connection for a hip condition secondary to flat feet, service connection for a back condition secondary to flat feet, and service connection for a leg condition secondary to flat feet.

The veteran's right and left foot disabilities are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions, with no higher rating warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his service connection claim for bilateral pes planus, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right thigh injury, effective October 7, 1999. The issues related to his right knee and foot disabilities have not yet been fully addressed.

The Board has ordered further development due to the lack of Army service records, and will consider your claims for bilateral flat feet and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to his service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further consideration of the issues regarding an increased rating for bilateral pes planus and a temporary total disability rating due to surgical treatment. Additional evidence submitted by L.S., R.N., has been considered, but the case must be returned to the Board for readjudication.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims.