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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of residuals of a fracture of the left fibula, service connection for hernia, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral eye and foot disabilities are denied as there is no evidence to support the assertions made.

The Board has granted an extension of a temporary total convalescent rating beyond November 30, 2003 for the veteran's left foot bunionectomy with pin. The increased rating claim for bilateral pes planus remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and denied pes planus, but the decision is mixed as it grants an increased rating for residuals of pleurisy.

The veteran's service-connected left foot disability was characterized by pain and weakness to the flexor apparatus of the second and third toes prior to February 14, 2005. As of February 14, 2005, there were additional neurological symptoms such as numbness and involuntary jerking movement in his foot. The decision denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent for the disability prior to February 14, 2005, but granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for the scar related to the left foot wound.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, bipolar disorder, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and macular hole in the right eye. The TDIU and nonservice-connected pension claims have also been denied.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss, and remanded the reopened claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including an examination of the veteran's feet and a psychiatric evaluation.

The veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently evaluated at 10 percent, which contemplates moderate flatfoot with the weight-bearing line being over or medial to the great toe. The medical evidence does not show that manifestations of the current foot disorder meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C and bilateral plantar fibromatosis were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The claims are denied.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for varicose veins of the lower extremities, pes planus, and low back pain due to failure to appear for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including affording the veteran a VA examination and addressing the issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disability. The veteran was not provided with proper VCAA notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical diagnosis of pes planus, and therefore denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 31, 2001 for service connection of a left foot disability. The decision was based on the fact that the veteran did not appeal the denial in 1994 and filed a new application to reopen his claim in 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a neurological condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and skin condition. The veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The lumbar spine, right shoulder, right foot, and left knee disabilities are rated at the highest possible levels under the applicable criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot disability but denied the claim for a right shoulder disability.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not undergo aggravation during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability. The veteran's current shoulder disability is related to an in-service injury, and the medical evidence supports this finding.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.