The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes cavus with hammertoes is a congenital defect and not caused or aggravated by his service-connected painful calluses and metatarsalgia, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in functional impairments necessitating the regular aid and attendance of another person, and caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling. The Board has granted special monthly compensation for aid and assistance and housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his inability to work is due to other factors such as a stroke. The combined rating for his service-connected conditions (50% for bilateral pes cavus with hammertoes and 20% for residuals of a right ankle injury) meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU rating, but the evidence does not show that these disabilities alone are sufficient to render him unemployable.

The Board denied service connection for right heel spurs and bilateral pes cavus with hammertoes, as well as secondary service connection for left knee and low back disorders. The veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's bilateral pes cavus with hammertoes is currently rated at 30 percent for the period from June 30, 1999, to November 4, 2003. The Board has determined that a rating of 50 percent is warranted for this period based on his current condition post-surgery. For the period from January 1, 2004, forward, he is entitled to a temporary evaluation of 100 percent due to surgical treatment necessitating convalescence.