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

The Board has reopened the claims for low back disorder and flat feet, but denied all other issues.,Service connection was not established for left hip fracture, left hand arthritis, or PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar warts, residuals of right metatarsal fracture, and bilateral hearing loss as there is no competent medical evidence showing current disabilities due to in-service conditions.

The Board has determined that a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's left foot disability, including chronic verrucae and postoperative scarring, is warranted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a current examination of his musculoskeletal disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left foot disability and granted an increased evaluation to 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and flat feet were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they related to any disease or injury in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus. The VA medical opinions, private treatment records, and a VA examination report all support the veteran's claim that his service duties contributed to the development of his condition.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's current 30 percent evaluation for calluses of the feet adequately reflects his disability, as it is not due to calluses but rather a static deformity of the foot resulting in pes planus. The preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection claim for the veteran's bilateral foot disorder, attributing his current conditions to diabetes mellitus and degenerative joint disease.

The veteran's appeal has been satisfied by the December 2005 rating decision, which granted increased staged ratings and resulted in a combined evaluation of 100% from February 7, 2002. The issues on appeal have therefore been dismissed.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and notification of potential effective date issues.

The veteran's disability of plantar warts and calluses of both feet, status post osteotomy of the right fifth metatarsal bone and hallux valgum of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint bilaterally with degenerative changes is currently rated as 50 percent disabling. The evaluations for limitation of motion of the right ankle and left ankle remain at 10 percent and zero percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service and is presumed to have existed prior to entry. Service connection for a ruptured posterior tibial tendon of the left ankle due to pes planus is denied as there is no evidence it arose during or was caused by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disability and right foot plantar fasciitis, both secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The VA determined that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis, pes planus, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The earlier effective date claim for tinnitus is dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and secondary service connection for a back disorder as secondary to bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no legal basis for these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the January 1961 rating decision that denied service connection for bilateral pes planus. As a result, the claim is granted.