The Veteran's service-connected flat feet disability has been manifested by plantar, metatarsal, and tarsal pain, objective evidence of marked deformities, talus pronation and Achilles tendon deviation, collapsed transverse and longitudinal arches, mild sickle foot formation in the tarsal region, with increased sclerosing and narrowing of the joint space, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances, resulting in pronounced bilateral flatfoot. The criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected flat feet have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture does not warrant an evaluation higher than 50 percent under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Flat Feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2013
- Citation
- 1334030
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 1334030.
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
PTSD, a back condition, and flat feet were not granted service connection prior to October 22, 2008.,The Veteran's claims for these conditions were submitted after the one-year period following separation from active duty.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot condition and plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions did not worsen during service and that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for flat feet, right knee disability (including as secondary to service-connected left knee osteoarthritis), and back disability due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and service.,Service connection was not granted because the Veteran's current disabilities are not shown to have originated during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and flat feet due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are otherwise granted.
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.