The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus, a pre-existing condition noted at entrance into service, was not permanently aggravated by service. The claim for an increased rating of dysthymic disorder is remanded as the Veteran has contended his symptoms have worsened since the last VA examination in April 2009.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus did not become permanently aggravated during service, and thus could not be granted service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- flat feet (pes planus), dysthymic disorder (claimed as major depression)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2013
- Citation
- 1309561
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 1309561.
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 the Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and hallux valgus, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition aggravated by military service. The Board also found that the current disabilities were not related to service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for flat feet (pes planus) and denied service connection for an eye disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis and flat feet (pes planus) has been remanded due to the submission of new evidence that is relevant to his claims.
- Dismissed
Your claim for service connection for flat feet (pes planus) has been granted, and you are now receiving a 30% rating effective July 20, 2017. This issue is no longer in appellate status.
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