Foot (incl. plantar fasciitis, flat feet) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability ratings for various conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis of multiple joints, and bilateral pes planus. The decision was final regarding a previous denial of service connection for a mood disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and denied his increased evaluation claims for bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not establish a nexus between the veteran's current low back disorder and his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition was aggravated by service and addressing the relationship between his right foot disability and any in-service injury. The pulmonary claim is also inextricably intertwined with the right knee claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected residuals of plantar warts, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that there is no current left foot disability and the medical evidence does not support a nexus between any incident of service and the veteran's claimed conditions. Therefore, service connection for both the left foot disability and hypertension was denied.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person is not due to his service-connected disabilities, but rather due to his limited eyesight, along with other nonservice-connected impairment. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot and low back disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it was not manifested by pronounced bilateral acquired flatfoot with marked pronation and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for chondromalacia of the patella, right and left knees. The Board also found that the veteran's current bilateral knee condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right foot disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of their current assigned disability ratings.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as it no longer has jurisdiction over the case.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis, COPD, and plantar fasciitis of the left foot were denied by the Board. The veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for his hiatal hernia, does not meet criteria for a compensable rating for COPD, and meets schedular criteria for a 10 percent rating for his plantar fasciitis.

The veteran is not entitled to payment of interest on retroactive disability compensation received for service-connected disability from September 1, 1961 to January 12, 1966.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a higher rating, as it primarily manifests as complaints of foot pain on use and manipulation. The current 10 percent rating is appropriate based on the symptoms described.

The RO granted an increased rating of 10 percent for pes planus with bunions postoperative and hallux valgus, effective June 22, 2004. The RO denied service connection for tinea versicolor and residuals of injury, left thigh, finding that the veteran had not submitted new and material evidence to reopen the claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of his request to withdraw an appeal regarding right ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus warrants a 50% evaluation, effective from June 18, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and service connection for a low back disability.