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

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for bilateral pes planus with post-operative hallux valgus and bunionectomy, effective from the date of surgery on October 27, 1998. The temporary total rating was also granted through January 31, 1999 due to continued convalescence following the left foot surgery.

The veteran is seeking compensation under the Veterans' Compensation Act for additional disability resulting from a left plantar exostosectomy performed by VA in January 1992. The case has been remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding whether the current left lower extremity disabilities are proximately caused by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus deformity was not incurred or aggravated during service, and his headaches and subcapsular bursitis of the left shoulder were found to be unrelated to service. The claim for a compensable rating for the left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left thigh, knee, and foot disabilities. A noncompensable rating was assigned for residuals of keloid removal of scalp and folliculitis, effective November 1, 1992.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder, pes planus, deviated nasal septum, and lung disability (including asthma) due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's preexisting conditions were not aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus warrants a 10 percent evaluation, and his amebic dysentery warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The current evaluations are considered appropriate based on the severity of each condition.

The veteran's pes planus, which preexisted service, was not aggravated during active duty and therefore service connection is denied.

The appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of evidence, including obtaining VA examination reports and treatment records. The veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered in light of new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claims for COPD and pes planus, as well as his claim for special monthly pension based on needing aid and attendance. The evidence submitted since the previous denial was not considered new and material to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected right knee fracture, plantar warts of both feet, and fractured right scapula and clavicle disabilities due to a lack of timely filed substantive appeal.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 26, 1996, for service connection for pes planus and hallux valgus with probable tarsal coalition was denied. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of the reopened claim, which is September 5, 1996.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot disability in November 1987 and April 1996, and the veteran argues that these decisions should be revised or reversed on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The Board found no CUE.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as his condition is currently treated with dietary restrictions and oral hypoglycemic agents without requiring insulin or regulation of activities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an employment handicap, and he has successfully maintained employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his bilateral frozen feet, PTSD and right thigh gunshot wound disabilities.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection and assigned initial ratings for her lumbosacral strain, left foot plantar fasciitis, and left middle finger tendonitis. The initial rating of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain was increased to 20 percent effective from March 20, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations for his claimed conditions, finding that none of the conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has found no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions and concludes that none are related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and compensation for his left foot plantar verruca, left pelvis rami fracture residuals, and left seventh rib fracture. The appeals were not about service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of new evidence. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen his claims for bilateral ankle and low back disabilities are also being considered.