The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his bilateral flatfoot with hallux valgus, finding that the disability did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The veteran was granted separate ratings of 10 percent each for right and left hallux valgus.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show marked pronation or inward displacement as required for a higher 50% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5276, but the criteria for flatfoot do not include the same manifestations as hallux valgus. The veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability was rated at 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral flatfoot, hallux valgus of the right great toe, hallux valgus of the left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 20, 2003
- Citation
- 0305216
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 0305216.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for bilateral flatfoot is dismissed as moot because the Board granted the earliest possible effective date, which encompasses the entire period on appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back condition, right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, neck condition, upper extremity radiculopathy, bilateral flatfoot, right foot plantar fasciitis, and right ankle pain, as the current evidence is inadequate to make a decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, knee and back issues, neck strain, shin splints, shoulder strain, sinusitis, rhinitis, GERD, penile condition, and bilateral flatfoot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral flatfoot and acne scars due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including missing personnel records and inadequate medical opinions.
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