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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus with joint disease and left side stomach pain. However, the claims for other conditions have not met the threshold requirement of new and material evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of participation in extracurricular activities during service and additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung and heart conditions, flat feet, left ankle disability, DJD of the right knee, and dermatitis due to mustard gas exposure. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary to address the issue of in-service incurrence/aggravation of any left foot disorder. The veteran's claim for service connection for her left foot disability will be remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims of bilateral pes planus, left shoulder dislocation, and low back disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing foot disorders did not worsen during service and were not caused by any incident of his military service, including alleged cold exposure. Therefore, service connection for an acquired foot disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the evidence, including a VHA opinion.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a disability manifested by blood in semen or an abnormally low white blood count, and the veteran's bilateral pes planus was not shown to be incurred during active duty. Service connection for hemorrhoids and chronic fatigue syndrome could not be established as they are not considered undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board found that the veteran's right foot disability is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for non-allergic rhinitis, finding that the veteran's symptoms began during service and are related to her military service. Service connection for pes planus was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent treatment records and arranging for a VA orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hemorrhoids, and left leg disability. The claim for service connection for an asbestos-related disability (COPD) was denied as there is no evidence of exposure to asbestos in service or a relationship between COPD and service. Service connection for aggravation of flat feet was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including a VA orthopedic examination and further review of his vocational rehabilitation records.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have PTSD and denied all other service connection claims. The reasons for denial are provided in the decision summary.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding that his left ankle and foot disabilities were not related to service or service-connected conditions. The right foot disorder is currently rated at 10%.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have a left foot disability for purposes of service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's arthritis of the left knee, effective from October 2001.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, rated at 30 percent, does not warrant a higher rating as it is no more than severe with some improvement from orthotics and special shoes.