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

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral pes planus was denied, as the evidence did not support a higher rating. The April 20, 1977 decision denying service connection for a bilateral foot condition was also found to contain no clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for internal derangement, a fractured tibial sesamoid and post-traumatic arthralgia, status post arthroplasty, osteotomy, and excision (right foot disability), an initial rating higher than 10 percent for neuroma from the right foot shrapnel wound, status post excision, and a temporary 100 percent convalescent rating.

The appeal was denied for an increased rating greater than 50 percent for bilateral flat feet with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and service connection for depression, but the claim for degenerative arthritis and herniated disc of the lumbar spine was reopened.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, chronic neck and hip disabilities, bilateral tendonitis, bilateral heel disability, left ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic eye disability. However, it granted service connection for a skin disability due to in-service exposure to sunlight and chemical irritants.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety, left hip bursitis, and bilateral eye disability were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudication.

The veteran was granted separate ratings of 10 percent for bilateral Morton's disease and bilateral plantar fasciitis, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted for her other foot conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for hyperpigmentation of the anterior bilateral calves and service connection for a bilateral foot disability.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a connection between the veteran's current bilateral plantar fasciitis and his active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and status post non-Q wave myocardial infarction, as well as pes planus with plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease, are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, right foot disorder to include pes planus and plantar callosities, chronic skin disorder to include a bilateral hand rash, and chronic irritable bowel syndrome as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, reopening of a claim for residuals of a concussion, and increased ratings for right ankle and left knee disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, light sensitivity of the eyes, residuals of a neck injury, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral foot disability and scars on both shins were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran is unemployable by reason of service-connected disability, as his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board remands the case to secure additional treatment records and possibly schedule an examination for a re-evaluation of the veteran's bilateral pes planus.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for pes planus with calluses and blisters of the feet for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation due to treatment of his service-connected plantar wart of the right foot requiring convalescence was remanded for further development.