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

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD, left and right knee and ankle arthritides, as well as postoperative foot disabilities, have been granted increased evaluations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, foot disability, menstrual disorder, left ear hearing loss, psychiatric disability, hypertension, eye disability, hemorrhoids, and sinus disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests; thus he has an employment handicap. The Board finds that the veteran meets the criteria for entitlement to benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bilateral foot pain and residuals of a right shoulder injury, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to her service.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus did not worsen during service, and his current right foot disability is due to osseous deformities present at the time of service. Service connection was granted for the osseous deformities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of muscle damage, severe incomplete paralysis, or significant limitation of motion that would warrant higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and plantar myofascitis of the left foot, with a rating of 10 percent each. The veteran's symptoms are described as pain, crepitus, effusion, and limited endurance in his left knee, while his left foot is essentially asymptomatic.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression and his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux is currently evaluated at 10%. The flat feet are also currently evaluated at 10%. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as requested.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for his right leg fractures, bilateral pes planus, low back disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by service, and there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group XVII, right and left buttocks, as well as traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, do not warrant increased evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for skin disorders and plantar calluses of the feet, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected bilateral pes planus, resolving in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and he is seeking a higher rating. The RO has ordered the veteran to undergo further examination and review of his medical records.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities include bilateral pes planus, residuals of frostbite of the right and left feet, and a low back disorder. The RO granted increased ratings for these conditions and also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran does not have current disabilities of the left foot, right knee, or left knee that are attributable to disease or injury incurred in service. The Board finds no evidence supporting these claims.

The RO has granted increased disability ratings for bilateral pes planus and right heel spur from 0 to 10 percent effective February 19, 1998.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her bilateral plantar fasciitis with tibial tendonitis was denied by the RO, as the examiner opined that all of the problems experienced were due to preexisting flat feet.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with multiple plantar tylomas and forefoot varus deformity is characterized by pain, swelling, calluses, and a forefoot varus deformity that requires monthly to bimonthly treatment. The RO granted service connection for this condition and assigned a 30 percent rating effective from March 14, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current pes planus, left knee disorder, or right shoulder disorder linked to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations and the need for additional development of evidence.