The Board denied service connection for pes planus, finding that the veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during service. Service connection was granted for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to a service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that the veteran's pes planus preexisted his military service, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The Board also noted that the veteran's low back disorder was caused by his right knee strain, which is already service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- Pes planus, Degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 24, 2002
- Citation
- 0208325
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 0208325.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for pes planus of the left foot as he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral foot pain disorder related to service and denied the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection. The claims for pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The PTSD rating is also remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for right knee injury pain. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and pes planus are remanded due to the need for a VA examination considering toxic exposure risk activities.
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