Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2007

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The RO has granted an increased evaluation for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, multiple skin keloids over the chest and left shoulder, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have all been denied as not warranting any increased evaluations from September 1, 2003.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The claims will be readjudicated after all additional evidence has been considered.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis, gastrointestinal disorder, pes planus, low back disability, and disabilities of the elbows and hips. The claims were not reopened.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cyst on buttocks, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral pes planus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral patellofemoral syndrome originated during active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The VA denied service connection for pes planus of the right foot and arthritis of the right foot, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete hearing transcript and a request for another hearing. The specific issues of service connection remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right foot disabilities, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected left foot metatarsalgia.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine the relationship between the veteran's current bilateral foot disability and her service-connected left knee strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as his original and subsequent claims have been found to be final due to lack of timely NODs.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the claimed conditions and insufficient medical evidence to establish service connection. The veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for pes planus and a right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not warrant an increase in these ratings.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus and depression, finding that the veteran's pes planus did not permanently increase in severity during service and his depression was acute and transitory.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for such a rating. The noncompensable rating assigned for scleroderma is upheld.

The Board found that the reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss from 10 percent to 0 percent was proper, as evidenced by improved hearing levels. The service connection claims for flat feet and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for arthritis of the right first metatarsophalangeal joint was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and severance of service connection was proper. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis, cavus deformity, and arthritis of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint have not been met.

The Board found that the veteran's current right foot, knee, and leg disabilities are not related to his active duty for training. The appellant's service medical records do not show a connection between his in-service symptoms and his current conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's flat feet preexisted his active duty for training and were not aggravated during service. As a result, service connection was denied.