The Board finds that the veteran was first treated during service for hallux valgus - a condition that based upon the record remains a current diagnosis. Thus, service connection may be granted for bilateral hallux valgus, based upon incurrence during service. The Board also finds that the pes planus did undergo an increase in severity during the veteran's period of active service and there is no specific finding in the record as to such an increase being caused by the natural progression of the disease.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence supports a grant of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hallux valgus, pes planus of the right foot, and hallux valgus, a bunion, and pes planus of the left foot. The veteran's preexisting bilateral second-degree pes planus was aggravated during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hallux Valgus, Bilateral Pes Planus, Left Foot Bunion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2004
- Citation
- 0411120
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 0411120.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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