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

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, and whether the veteran lacked mental capacity to file a timely notice of disagreement in September 1978.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for malaria was denied, and his claim for service connection for a right foot disability other than residuals of a shell fragment wound is also denied. The Board found that the veteran does not have active malaria or current residual disabilities from malaria, and there is no evidence linking any currently present right foot disability to service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral flat feet, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is no more than severe in degree, and pronounced bilateral pes planus was not shown. Therefore, a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus has not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's low back disability and bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for a right foot disability consequent to cold weather exposure, finding that the disability picture did not approximate total disability of the foot comparable to amputation or loss of use.

The veteran's service-connected ulcer, duodenal, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) were evaluated at their current 10 percent ratings. The conditions are not currently active or disabling enough to warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's vocational rehabilitation claim is being remanded for further development and evaluation due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a right foot or left knee disability that was caused or aggravated by service. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claims for neck injury, low back disability, and bilateral foot disability are being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for right ankle disability and bilateral pes planus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen either claim.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, including chondromalacia with arthritis of both knees, was reopened and granted. The rating for pes planus remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus existed prior to his entry into military service and is not related to active duty or ACDUTRA. The right knee disability, including patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative joint disease, are not found to be related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected pes planus and lipomas of the thighs are being remanded due to his failure to report for VA medical examinations. He is also asked whether he desires a hearing.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected onychomycosis of the toenails and dermatophytosis involving the plantar and medial surfaces of both feet is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a medical examination to determine if stasis dermatitis should be considered part of his service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus, which has already been granted with a 10 percent evaluation. The case must be remanded to schedule the veteran for a travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus did not increase in severity during service and is therefore not entitled to service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for VCAA compliance and updated examination under new criteria.