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

The veteran's degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis are granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The right foot injury is not considered incurred or aggravated in peacetime service, and there is no evidence of a psychiatric disorder including post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal as her substantive appeal was not timely filed.

The Board denied all service connection claims, including PTSD with insomnia and chronic fatigue, a bilateral foot disability, and bilateral conjunctivitis. The veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing flat feet did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during his periods of active duty, and thus denied service connection for bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VCAA notice and need for further examination regarding service connection for a left hip disorder.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected pes planus, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for skin rash, pes planus (flat feet), compression fracture of thoracic spine, and COPD. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining verification of her military service and providing the veteran with VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her claimed disabilities.

The veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, vascular malformation of the right forearm, ulcerative colitis, tinea cruris and onychomycosis of the toenails, and panic disorder and major depression are all denied.,Service connection is granted for tinea pedis (toenail fungus) based on service connection already established.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and adjudication, including the consideration of her claims for increased ratings for service-connected disabilities and a TDIU. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records and conduct a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected conditions on her employability.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on his reported combat experience. His bilateral foot disorder claim is denied due to failure to report for a VA examination.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus. The decision will determine if this claim should be reopened based on the submitted evidence.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, which is the minimum compensable rating for this condition.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for left knee disability, effective from April 1999. The right ankle fracture and bilateral pes planus are each rated as non-compensable.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is no more than severe in degree and granted a noncompensable rating, which was increased to 30 percent. The appeal for an increased rating remains.

The RO granted increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, and status post fracture of the right distal tibia and fibula. The initial evaluation for chronic intermittent low back strain was also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder, including arthritis. The rating assigned is 100% (total disability rating). The claimant's pes planus was also found to be related to service and the RO should consider whether it warrants an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for another travel board hearing.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for earlier effective date, increased rating, and reopening of a claim for ulcers. The remaining issues are related to knee disabilities, pes planus, and skin conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's amputations of the left 4th and 5th toes were a result of VA's negligent failure to promptly diagnose and treat his puncture wound, resulting in additional disability. The claim is granted.