The Veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet disability has been manifested by characteristic callosities, swelling on use, accentuated pain on use, and objective evidence of marked deformities (moderate pronation), without objective evidence of extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet or marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. The Veteran's disability has been rated as 30 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5276, which requires more severe symptoms such as extreme tenderness and marked inward displacement of the feet.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Flat Feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2013
- Citation
- 1307155
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1307155.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for remanding certain service connection claims.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and various other disabilities due to the lack of evidence supporting a current diagnosis or a link to active duty.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral flat feet condition is related to his active service and grants service connection for this disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.