Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right knee, left foot, and right foot disabilities are all service-connected as direct service connection was established based on medical evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disability and upper extremity neuropathy are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current musculoskeletal or orthopedic condition related to his active service. The currently diagnosed neurological conditions are found to be directly related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a new VA examination regarding his right foot disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral pes planus, but denied both claims on their merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed psychiatric disability or bilateral foot disability, and therefore denied these claims. The remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral knee, and skin disabilities are also denied.

The Veteran's calluses on the plantar surfaces of both feet are manifested by moderately severe functional impairment, and a 20 percent disability rating has been granted for each foot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals in Sacramento, California.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the right knee and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus, rheumatoid arthritis, back problems, and knee problems are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including arthritis of the great toe and heel spur, are not related to his service-connected chip fracture of the right fifth toe. As a result, he is denied an increased disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia and multiple physical impairments, meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing (SAH). However, his entitlement to SAH precludes him from receiving financial assistance in acquiring special home adaptations (SHA).

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and denied a compensable evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more current examination and proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an examination to determine if her current foot disabilities are related to her military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus and associated small fiber neuropathy, as well as his degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, were found to be aggravated by service-connected right ankle disability. The temporary total rating for convalescence was extended from June 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated by his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and low back disability were granted service connection, but the initial ratings assigned for these conditions are 10 percent each.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, hypertension, and sleep apnea were all incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied. The reduction in the rating for the thoracolumbar spine disability from 40 percent to 10 percent was found to be improper.