The Veteran's hallux limitus is related to his service-connected pes planus. The Board finds that the VA Chief of Podiatry Section's opinion, which relates the Veteran's currently diagnosed hallux limitus to his service-connected pes planus, is the most probative evidence as to the etiology of the disorder.
The deciding factor: The April 2011 VA examiner did not provide an adequate rationale for the opinions regarding the bilateral ankle and knee disorders, nor did he address whether any diagnosed left or right knee disorder was related to military service. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative changes are less likely as not caused by military service or secondary to bilateral pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- Hallux Limitus, Bilateral Ankle Disorder, Bilateral Knee Disorder, Lumbar Spine Disorder, Groin Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2012
- Citation
- 1234037
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 1234037.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 determined that the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected IBS, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for a right foot disorder require further examination and consideration due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders as these conditions are not shown to be related to military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg and lumbar spine disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions during periods of active or inactive duty training.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and multiple orthopedic disabilities, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 6, 2013.
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