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

The veteran's claims for increased initial evaluations for bilateral pes planus, hammer toes of the left and right feet, and hallux valgus of the left and right feet have been denied as there is no evidence to warrant an evaluation greater than the currently assigned ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings on an extraschedular basis were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected bilateral foot and left hip disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.,The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he required such assistance.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is shown to have been productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates one of pronounced impairment beginning on June 8, 2004.

The Board has determined that the service-connected pes planus warrants a 10 percent rating, effective from when the claim was filed.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disability (claimed as a nervous condition) and granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with an initial noncompensable rating. The veteran appealed the noncompensable rating, but did not appeal the denial of service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is not related to a left foot injury sustained during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the May 1999 rating decision is not new and material to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus. The preexisting pes planus was found not to have increased in severity during service, thus failing to establish a basis for reopening the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for pes planus, finding that the medical evidence did not show pronounced pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent rating, as there is no evidence of marked deformity or other criteria for a higher rating. The effective date remains unchanged at the current level.

The Board has determined that there is no current left foot disability for which service connection can be granted.

The veteran's hallux valgus of both feet was rated at 30 percent prior to September 23, 2002. Effective from that date, the rating for his right foot increased to 40 percent and for his left foot also increased to 40 percent.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for a tender right foot plantar callous, secondary to scar tissue from the veteran's gunshot wound. The main issue of a higher rating for the gunshot wound itself remains denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and PTSD, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and service. The veteran's current foot problems are not related to service, and her PTSD is more likely due to pre-service trauma.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet and a higher rating for PTSD. The claimant was not diagnosed with flat feet during or after service, and there is no competent evidence linking his current foot condition to service.

The veteran's bilateral flat feet are currently evaluated as a 10 percent disability rating, and the Board finds that this is appropriate based on her symptoms of pain in both feet.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss in the left ear and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claim for pes planus with hallux valgus, callosities, and degenerative arthritis was not addressed as it is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected sick sinus syndrome and bilateral pes planus are being remanded for further development.

The Board finds that service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is not granted for defective vision, left eye disability, hyperlipidemia, tonsillitis, upper respiratory disability, headaches, bilateral foot disability, pharyngitis, left thumb and wrist disabilities, bronchitis, right elbow disability, or residuals of a laceration of the left forehead.