The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, and status post bunionectomy with surgical correction of hammertoes in both feet were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected foot conditions are rated based on their severity under the applicable diagnostic codes. The current ratings for bilateral pes planus and status post bunionectomy with surgical correction of hammertoes in both feet are at the maximum schedular evaluations, as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus, Status post bunionectomy with osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal and surgical correction of hammertoes 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the left foot, Status post bunionectomy with osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal and surgical correction of hammertoes 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the right foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2014
- Citation
- 1412381
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 1412381.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for acquired flatfoot. The appeal is denied.
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