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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, as well as her requests for service connection for a right hip arthroscopy and earlier effective dates. The decision also noted that she did not file timely appeals for these issues.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied, but he received a 50% rating for his bilateral pes planus. He also received TDIU benefits and is eligible for special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot disorder due to new and material evidence. The Board also found that with reasonable doubt, the veteran incurred plantar fasciitis in his right foot during service. However, the left foot disorder is not considered to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet warrant a 30 percent rating, effective from August 6, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected right knee arthroscopy and plantar fasciitis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and other service-connected conditions were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that warranted a higher rating.

The Board found that the appellant's flat feet preexisted his entry into service and were not aggravated by active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's migraine headaches, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral knee disorders are of service origin. The hearing loss was not shown during service or currently. The low back strain is already rated at its maximum disability level.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and no competent medical opinion linking the condition to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, bilateral pes planus, and dorsal spine disability. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Board denied increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees, as well as bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus. The veteran's disabilities were rated at 10% each.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 30 percent evaluation, but his claim for service connection for emphysema due to tobacco dependence was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including upper gastrointestinal bulb disorder, chronic prostatitis, bladder injury residuals, flat feet, hypertension, rupture and strain of the left testicle, circulatory disorder of the legs and feet, muscle strain and cartilage injury of the stomach, heart and chest, hiatal hernia, left leg and groin disability, and broken ribs. The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus with tarsal tunnel syndrome and lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for Reiter's syndrome with bilateral plantar fasciitis and arthralgias of knees, sacroiliac joints, and left shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining recent medical records and a VA examination.

The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. If the claim remains denied after this, it will be returned to the Board.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has determined that the veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service beyond its natural progression. Therefore, the claim for service connection for pes planus is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's left foot disability, characterized as hallux limitis of the left foot with forefoot varus deformity and bunion of the left great toe prior to October 27, 1997, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected plantar fasciitis, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the condition primarily manifests as pain and does not warrant a higher evaluation.