The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbago, low back pain, and a herniated disc, as well as an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for depressive disorder NOS, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral chest scars, and an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran's pes planus underwent an increase in disability during service. There was no evidence showing a chronic condition involving the low back or knees during service, nor any competent evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, lumbago, low back pain, herniated disc, bilateral knee disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2008
- Citation
- 0810639
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 remands the service connection claim for a bilateral knee disability to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, including scheduling an additional VA examination.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and chronic pain syndrome due to untimely notices of disagreement.
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