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

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with Haglund's deformity, Morton's toe deformity, neuroma of the left foot, and residuals of left foot fracture did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, finding that her disability did not meet the criteria for such an increase under the applicable rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected right foot disability, characterized by painful calluses and no fat pad, is currently rated at 30 percent. This rating reflects the severity of his condition, which includes use of orthotic inserts and periodic debridement of lesions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a circumcision, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and headaches. The decision found that there was no current disability related to the circumcision performed during service.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for pes planus, hiatal hernia with GERD, and residuals of a right hand injury were denied. The veteran was granted a 10% rating for the hiatal hernia with GERD effective February 15, 2006.

The veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities, including a request for increased rating for flat feet, as well as claims for various other conditions. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability is manifested by moderate symptoms, including hammer toes, calluses, pain, altered sensation and limitation of motion. The VA has determined that the current rating criteria for evaluating skin disorders should be applied to determine the current level of the veteran's disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pronation syndrome and low back strain, as well as his requests for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis of the left foot. The appeals were based on a lack of current diagnoses or evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. The veteran's current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is found to have its onset during active service.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence to show that the veteran currently has a bilateral foot disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral foot disability is not service-connected due to it being attributed to hyperhydrosis of the feet secondary to diabetes mellitus. The scar on the right third finger was also denied as there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral pes planus and left chondromalacia patella, finding that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and anxiety disorder, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's right shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The issue of secondary service connection for bilateral leg pain, claimed as secondary to service-connected flat feet, requires further development.

The Board has granted service connection for flat feet, heart disorder, back disability, and right leg disability. However, the claims were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and arthritis, finding that there was no credible evidence establishing an in-service injury or disease. The Board also found that arthritis could not be presumed to have been incurred during service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities were not rated as totally disabling for a period of at least ten years immediately preceding his death. Therefore, DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his pes planus, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right knee strain, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus with degenerative joint disease of the feet, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for increased rating for sinusitis was also denied.