The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, characterized as 'severe' by examiners, does not warrant a higher disability evaluation due to lack of pronounced symptoms such as marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The current 30 percent rating is appropriate given his symptoms including pain and swelling.
The deciding factor: The veteran's pes planus was characterized as 'severe' by two examiners, which corresponds with a 30 percent disability evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5276 for severe bilateral flatfoot. The evidence did not show pronounced symptoms such as marked inward displacement or severe spasm of the Achilles tendon.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2002
- Citation
- 0200465
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 0200465.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including PTSD, IBS, cardiac arrhythmia, CFS, chronic headaches, chronic sinusitis, dyspnea, and fibromyalgia. The claim for bilateral pes planus was remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to independently ambulate with the use of braces.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial compensable rating for onychomycosis and remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and left thigh muscle strain.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.
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