The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for pes planus, GERD, and hypertension are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,For PTSD prior to July 19, 2010, the Veteran is currently assigned a 50 percent rating which meets the criteria under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pes planus does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation as there are no objective findings of marked deformity or severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. The current mild flatfoot disability is rated at 0 percent.,For GERD, the Veteran has well-controlled symptoms with medication and no recurrent epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, or substernal arm or shoulder pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Pes Planus, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hypertension, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1409246
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 1409246.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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