The Board found that the veteran's pes planus preexisted service and was not aggravated by military service, thus denying his claim for service connection. The disability manifested by pain and stiffness of the hands is also denied as there is no clear evidence linking it to service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence clearly shows that the veteran's pes planus existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Foot Disorder (Pes Planus), Hand Pain/Stiffness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2005
- Citation
- 0529437
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 0529437.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral foot disorder. The case will be reviewed with an appropriate VA medical opinion.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD and persistent depressive disorder has been withdrawn. The claims of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, right ankle disability, lumbosacral spine disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and a back disorder are inextricably intertwined, necessitating remand. The claims will be addressed after obtaining additional medical records and conducting further examinations.
- Granted
The Board finds that the Veteran's pes planus, a preexisting condition noted on entry into service, was permanently aggravated by his active service and grants service connection for this bilateral foot disorder.
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