The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected fractures and pes planus, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The fracture of the right lateral malleolus was rated at 20 percent, while bilateral pes planus remained at 10 percent. The Board also dismissed the claims regarding increased evaluation for a psychiatric disorder and whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for a back disorder due to lack of jurisdiction.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment, as he completed only four years of high school and last worked in 1995. The heart disorder was not first manifest during or within one year after service.
- Claimed conditions
- Fracture of the right lateral malleolus, Bilateral pes planus, Arteriosclerotic heart disease (not service-connected)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2001
- Citation
- 0118018
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0118018.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for acquired flatfoot. The appeal is denied.
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