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

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and calluses, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current 30 percent evaluation for calluses of the feet adequately reflects his disability, as it is not due to calluses but rather a static deformity of the foot resulting in pes planus. The preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection claim for the veteran's bilateral foot disorder, attributing his current conditions to diabetes mellitus and degenerative joint disease.

The veteran's appeal has been satisfied by the December 2005 rating decision, which granted increased staged ratings and resulted in a combined evaluation of 100% from February 7, 2002. The issues on appeal have therefore been dismissed.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected pes planus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and notification of potential effective date issues.

The veteran's disability of plantar warts and calluses of both feet, status post osteotomy of the right fifth metatarsal bone and hallux valgum of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint bilaterally with degenerative changes is currently rated as 50 percent disabling. The evaluations for limitation of motion of the right ankle and left ankle remain at 10 percent and zero percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service and is presumed to have existed prior to entry. Service connection for a ruptured posterior tibial tendon of the left ankle due to pes planus is denied as there is no evidence it arose during or was caused by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disability and right foot plantar fasciitis, both secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The VA determined that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis, pes planus, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The earlier effective date claim for tinnitus is dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and secondary service connection for a back disorder as secondary to bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no legal basis for these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the January 1961 rating decision that denied service connection for bilateral pes planus. As a result, the claim is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus with joint disease and left side stomach pain. However, the claims for other conditions have not met the threshold requirement of new and material evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of participation in extracurricular activities during service and additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung and heart conditions, flat feet, left ankle disability, DJD of the right knee, and dermatitis due to mustard gas exposure. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary to address the issue of in-service incurrence/aggravation of any left foot disorder. The veteran's claim for service connection for her left foot disability will be remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims of bilateral pes planus, left shoulder dislocation, and low back disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing foot disorders did not worsen during service and were not caused by any incident of his military service, including alleged cold exposure. Therefore, service connection for an acquired foot disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the evidence, including a VHA opinion.