The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding that his left ankle and foot disabilities were not related to service or service-connected conditions. The right foot disorder is currently rated at 10%.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no significant left ankle problems due to service or service-connected disabilities. Left foot symptoms are linked to the veteran's service-connected right foot disability, but the Board determined that they cannot be dissociated from it. Right foot symptoms are best compared to pes planus with required use of tennis shoes for ambulation and ongoing mild pain.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Chronic left ankle disability","status":"Not established"}, {"condition_name":"Chronic left foot disability","status":"Established (Pes planus with osteophytes)"}, {"condition_name":"Right foot disorder","status":"Established (Pes planus with plantar fasciitis)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 20, 2006
- Citation
- 0611453
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 0611453.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.