The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected residuals of trench feet. The evidence did not support a finding that arthritis of the back, hips, and knees was related to his service-connected trench feet.,For the period prior to January 12, 1998, the VA found no basis to increase the rating for trench feet as there were no objective findings indicating significant impairment beyond what is already covered by the current 10 percent disability rating. The Board also noted that pes planus and chronic fungal infection of the feet were unrelated to trench feet.,From January 12, 1998 onwards, the VA found no basis to increase the ratings for left and right trench foot as there was no evidence of additional impairment beyond what is already covered by the current 10 percent disability rating. The examiner noted that pes planus, chronic fungal infection, and chronic venous insufficiency were unrelated to trench feet.,The Board concluded that the appellant's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on his service-connected residuals of trench feet.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that arthritis of the back, hips, and knees was related to the service-connected residuals of trench feet. The VA found no additional impairment in the ratings for left and right trench foot from January 12, 1998 onwards.

Claimed conditions

arthritis of back, arthritis of hips, arthritis of knees

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 17, 2000

Citation

0007336

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0007336.