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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0118018.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus and remanded the claims for service connection for tingling and numbness in the bilateral lower extremities and entitlement to TDIU.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period from May 25, 2016 to January 18, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for right foot hallux valgus from January 9, 2024, and denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for pes planus from July 27, 2023. A 20 percent rating was assigned prior to April 26, 2019, for the Veteran's right compartment syndrome with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right foot drop, and right shin splint.
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