Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2008

The veteran's application to establish D.L.D. as a 'helpless child' for VA benefits purposes was denied due to the lack of evidence showing permanent incapacity at age 18. The claims for service connection and reopening were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and traumatic arthritis of the left foot, postoperative, warrants a rating of 10 percent for both feet.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by a pulmonary embolism resulting from a hip fracture, which in turn was caused by his service-connected knee and foot disabilities. As such, the appeal for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for post-operative residuals, multiple plantar fibromas, right foot with hallux rigidus and degenerative joint disease, first metatarsophalangeal joint, great toe. The veteran is also entitled to a separate 10 percent rating for incisional scars on the right foot.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus and denied an increased rating for the residuals of a left biceps injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee conditions have been denied. The current evaluations of 10%, 20%, and 20% remain unchanged.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under current criteria. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating based on additional functional loss or other factors.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronicity of the claimed condition. The RO also denied her claims for increased ratings for left ovarian cyst with uterine fibroids, recurrent right great toe ganglion cyst, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs to consider whether the veteran's unemployability is due to service-connected disabilities or other factors. The veteran's education, employment history, and vocational attainment will be considered.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities were evaluated and the RO granted increased ratings for some conditions, but denied others.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disability does not warrant a higher than 0 percent rating, as there is no evidence of hallux valgus equivalent to amputation or surgery with resection of the metatarsal head.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and gout, as well as his claim for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The evidence submitted did not meet the criteria to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, low back disability, and pes planus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and foot disabilities, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected right knee disability.

The veteran's right first metatarsophalangeal joint hallux limitus with plantar fasciitis was rated as non-compensably disabling prior to March 18, 2008. Since then, he has been rated at 10 percent since that date.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, a skin disability, and a right foot disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's residuals of a septorhinoplasty, bilateral pes planus with bilateral bunions, and left ankle injury with talar spur.,The veteran's residuals of a septorhinoplasty were not found to meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's lumbar strain disability has been rated at 20% since March 21, 2008. His cervical spine and flat feet disabilities remain rated at 10%. The Board granted the increased rating for the lumbar strain.