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

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims as he did not file a timely substantive appeal within one year of the August 1998 rating decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected pes planus with degenerative joint disease of the feet is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and analysis.

The veteran's service-connected right patellar tendinitis and lumbosacral strain were granted increased ratings, while the other conditions remained at their current levels. The veteran's hypertension was also granted an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, and her postoperative hammer toes of the right 4th and 5th toes do not warrant any compensation. The decision is based on objective medical findings.

The veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a cyst of the right side of the neck, gastroenteritis, an eye disorder, a plantar wart, an injury of the foot, a skin rash, blisters of the hands, and right wrist injury are all granted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis and assigned the effective date of July 28, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, a pilonidal cyst, and pes planus with calcaneal spurs due to lack of current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot callosity, bilateral knee disorders, and lumbar spine disability. The veteran is currently receiving the maximum available rating for his right knee and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral pes planus, and diabetes mellitus, contribute to his need for regular aid and attendance. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent since April 25, 1997 and will remain so until July 11, 2000.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeals for higher initial evaluations were also denied. The veteran was granted a reopening of his claim for irritable bowel syndrome on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and procedural issues, including a need for further development of the evidentiary record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The left knee disability and bilateral pes planus were also denied as there is no evidence of their onset during service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and medical records review. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) remains pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear was reopened, but his claims for pes planus and hemorrhoids were not reopened.,Service connection is being considered on a direct basis for all three conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her service connection claims, including obtaining missing service medical records and scheduling VA examinations. Her claim for a higher rating for hepatitis C will also be addressed.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his other conditions and age preclude this conclusion.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis, as aggravated by his service. The other issues on appeal will be addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's request for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) is inextricably intertwined with his claims for service connection for various disabilities. The appeal of eligibility for RH is held in abeyance pending resolution of the service connection claims.