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

The veteran's request for a temporary total evaluation for convalescence following surgery for her right foot disability is denied as the effective date of service connection cannot be earlier than when she filed her claim, which was after her separation from active duty.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left knee manifestations with osteoarthritis due to altered gait, and right foot plantar warts were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of a current diagnosis and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,For bilateral pes planus, the veteran's disability is not rated higher than 10 percent as there is no objective evidence of severe flatfoot with marked deformity or swelling on use.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for his service-connected conditions, including erectile dysfunction, cervical spine disability, fibromyalgia, patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, and bilateral pes planus. The veteran was also denied service connection for hyperlipidemia.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 10 percent since August 1, 1998. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's service-connected disabilities alone make it impossible for him to work.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations for various conditions, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right great toe DJD with hallux valgus and right heel spurs with plantar fasciitis.

The veteran's right foot disability has been rated at 40 percent, the highest possible rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, due to its severe symptoms and impact on his ability to work.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the issues noted on page one of this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral pes planus was not permanently aggravated by his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disorder, recurrent lower back pain, and bilateral foot disorder (claimed as bilateral plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus). The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for headaches was not addressed due to pending issues.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, but these claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The veteran's claim of service connection for pes planus is on hold until additional information can be gathered.

The veteran's bilateral flat feet with metatarsalgia are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the current evidence of record. Additionally, the veteran's service-connected disability does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as he has not been rendered unemployable solely due to his service-connected bilateral flat feet with metatarsalgia.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and his service-connected scars were denied. The RO assigned a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective September 13, 2006, and separate 10 percent evaluations for the scars of each foot, thigh, right elbow, and right buttock.

The veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, with the highest rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a 20 percent rating effective from September 26, 2003, for degenerative arthritis in the cervical and thoracic spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, including a right foot disability due to injury, hyper-extended right 5th finger, and a rash on the upper body.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with bunion formation, hallux valgus deformity and joint degeneration is currently rated at 10 percent.,The veteran's Achilles tendonitis on both the right and left feet are each currently rated at 10 percent.