The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral foot disorder and ankle disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any pronounced symptoms of the service-connected conditions, such as marked pronation, extreme tenderness, or severe spasm. The appellant's overall combined disability rating was 50 percent, and there was no indication that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Foot Disorder (Flexible Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spur Syndrome), Right Ankle Disorder, Left Ankle Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 3, 2011
- Citation
- 1100161
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 1100161.
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 has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, and anxiety disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly regarding his shoulder disorders and nasal surgeries. The claims for service connection have been remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder disorders, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral knee disorders, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's IBS has been granted a 30 percent initial disability rating. Service connection was denied for other claimed conditions.
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