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

The veteran's right knee disability, including the scar, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The calcaneal spurs and pes planus do not cause limitations that would warrant a compensable rating. There is no evidence of a current left knee or elbow condition.,There are no service-connected disabilities related to the veteran's knees or elbows.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus disability is associated with degenerative arthritis of the hips, knees, ankles, and lumbosacral spine. However, the examiner determined that the bilateral pes planus did not cause the arthritis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly fibromyalgia, render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and make him vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment. The criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his post-operative left foot plantar fibroma is granted, and he was previously assigned a 20% rating. The service connection claim for right knee disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's pes planus existed before service and was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine disabilities. The veteran was also denied a compensable rating for his bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet and tinea pedis have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current diagnosis of his feet and whether any foot disability is related to his period of active military service. The AOJ will also consider de novo the claims of service connection in light of all information or evidence received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral foot disability, including bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is related to his pre-existing condition of bilateral pes planus. The Board also found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing that aggravation did not occur during service.

The veteran's application for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment was denied as he does not meet the criteria for eligibility based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the veteran's bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis, finding that his current disability level warrants this evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and denied increased evaluations for plantar wart residuals of the right and left feet. The veteran's complaints were not supported by objective medical evidence, and his claims were based on unsubstantiated self-reported symptoms.

The VA denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritic changes at the metatarsal heads, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of more than moderate disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a foot disorder and granted it, finding new and material evidence. The veteran's bilateral pes planus is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, including residuals of excision of a Morton's neuroma, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his period of service.

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the legal requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's chronic low back strain and bilateral plantar fasciitis were found to be incurred in service.,Service connection for chronic bronchitis, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic anxiety, depression), PTSD, chronic pharyngitis/aphthous ulcer (claimed as spitting up blood), and chronic chest pain was denied.

The Board has denied service connection for hypercholesterolemia, right and/or left foot disabilities, and fungus of the toenails. The veteran's claims are being remanded to address these issues.