The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the veteran has any current bilateral foot and ankle disorders as a result of his active military service.
The deciding factor: There was no competent medical evidence showing any foot or ankle injury or disorder during service or for some 15 years after service, and the in-service statements denying foot trouble are more credible than the veteran's current assertions.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral foot disorders, bilateral ankle disorders
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2009
- Citation
- 0900415
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.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and initial ratings, as well as special monthly compensation.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical spine, bilateral hip, bilateral ankle, gastrointestinal disorder, and hypertension was withdrawn by the appellant. The TDIU rating claim was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral ankle disorders, diabetes mellitus, type II, a heart disorder, a right shoulder disorder, hypertension, a low back disorder, bladder cancer, and left and right lung disease, to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's toxic exposure during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete personnel records, including those related to a court-martial.
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