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Denied

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus disability is characterized by subjective complaints of pain, with flare-ups of increased pain and swelling after prolonged standing. The objective evidence shows that the Veteran has an apropulsive gait which reflects compensated abnormal pronation. He is able to demonstrate dorsiflexion to five degrees and plantar flexion to 40 degrees without pain. There is no tenderness to the tendo Achilles but there is pain on palpation at the talar navicular joint along the plantar fascia and at the insertion of tibiales posterior. The Veteran treats his bilateral pes planus disability with medication and orthotics, which provide relief.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran suffers from compensatory pronation, pain in the feet, but does not meet the criteria for a pronounced bilateral pes planus under DC 5276.

Claimed conditions
Bilateral Pes Planus
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
April 10, 2013
Citation
1311939

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 1311939.

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