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

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that his symptoms more closely approximate severe pes planus than moderate pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluation.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus and left ankle disability were evaluated, with the Board finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings for these conditions.,Specifically, the Board determined that the preponderance of the evidence was against a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus from October 12, 1985, through January 15, 1997. For the period commencing January 16, 1997, the disability warranted a staged rating in excess of 30 percent.,For the left ankle disability, the Board found that prior to March 13, 1997, no compensable rating was warranted. From March 13, 1997 through March 19, 1997, a staged rating in excess of 10 percent was granted. Finally, from March 20, 1997 onwards, the disability warranted a rating of 20 percent.,The decision also noted that these ratings were based on the criteria for pes planus and left ankle disabilities as outlined by Diagnostic Codes 5276 and 5271 in the VA's Rating Schedule.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records, including SSA disability benefits information.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability and pes planus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to decide the veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and bilateral pes planus. This includes obtaining medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service, as well as any aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for additional examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for her left knee, low back, bilateral feet, and respiratory disabilities. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by her active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no current disability related to the claimed conditions, with the exception of pes planus which was not aggravated by service.

The veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, low back disability, obesity, right hip disability, left hip disability, left foot disability, and left knee disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, low back disability, obesity, right hip disability, left hip disability, left foot disability, and left knee/ankle disabilities. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board found no current medical diagnosis of pes planus and denied the veteran's claim for service connection as there was no evidence of a chronic foot disorder during or after service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, osteomyelitis, and pes planus due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his time in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action, including consideration of new evidence and compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with mild lumbar stenosis at L4-5 and fibromyalgia from August 14, 2001 were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability, symptomatic flat feet, and degenerative arthritis in his feet. The evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.,The current ratings of 20%, 10%, and 10% for the respective conditions are maintained.

The veteran seeks service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Board has determined that further development is needed before the issue can be decided.