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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, asthma, degenerative joint disease (including that of the knees), and bilateral foot disability. The veteran's claims were previously denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any current disabilities related to service, including knee, leg, foot, hearing loss, eye, and PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral flat foot and an initial compensable rating for tinea pedis, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of either claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for plantar callosities of the left foot, service connection for a bilateral knee condition as secondary to the service-connected plantar callosities of the left foot, and reopening of his claim for low back condition as secondary to the service-connected plantar callosities of the left foot.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO for additional efforts to obtain service medical records, as well as any relevant prison records. The veteran's flat feet claim will be reviewed by a VA examiner who will provide an opinion on whether there is a 50% probability or greater that the disability was incurred or aggravated during service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Tampa VAMC. The claim will be reconsidered and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) will be provided if necessary.

The Board found that the veteran's blackouts, pes planus, and diabetes mellitus are due to disease or injury incurred in service. The hydrocele of the right testicle is not shown to be related to service. The acquired eye disorder and speech defect are not shown to be due to service.

The Board finds that the veteran's low back disability and bilateral pes planus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for pes planus, finding that there is no evidence of aggravation during service and that the pre-existing conditions did not increase in severity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 30 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied, and his claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bronchial asthma was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral leg disorder and bilateral pes planus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current right foot disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral foot disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has found that the veteran's current right knee disorder is etiologically related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disability is not related to his military service and denied both his claim for service connection as well as an increased rating for right foot hallux valgus.