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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and assigned an initial 10 percent evaluation retroactively effective from April 9, 2001. However, the veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 30 percent from March 4, 1999 to September 26, 2000 for accrued benefits purposes. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to additional evidence and argument received from the veteran.

The veteran's application for clothing allowance was denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to his use of orthopedic molded foot supports, which do not qualify under VA regulations.

The RO granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected left foot tender plantar calluses, pes planus, plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia, effective from August 1998.

The Board denied an effective date earlier than December 1, 2000 for the assignment of a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus. The veteran's claim was based on his informal claim received on November 14, 2000, which did not show an ascertainable increase in disability prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus of the left foot, finding that any possible left foot complaints during service were acute and transitory without residual disability. The current pes planus of the left foot began many years after service and was not caused by an incident of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee chondromalacia, as well as bilateral pes planus. The initial noncompensable rating assigned for these conditions remains in effect.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his Social Security Administration disability records, as these are necessary for a complete evaluation of his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus, and hammer toes are service-connected. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a low back disability during service or due to service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hammer toe and bilateral pes planus do not warrant increased ratings, as they are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back strain as secondary to his service-connected pes planus.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral foot disability was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right rotator cuff repair, spinal stenosis, and right plantar fasciitis.

The veteran's bilateral foot disorder is primarily manifested by tenderness in the plantar aspect of both feet, commensurate with moderate pes planus. Severe pes planus has not been shown.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric, left ankle, left foot, right foot, low back, and neck conditions. The claim of service connection for a hernia was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim of service connection for hypertension was reopened based on new evidence showing current hypertension in active military service.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and additional VCAA notice. The RO will schedule the veteran for examinations of his spine and feet to assess current symptoms and functional loss.

The veteran's bilateral foot disorder, diagnosed as pronounced bilateral pes planus, is granted a 50 percent evaluation.