The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including a right ankle disability, are not service-connected as they are considered to be due to congenital conditions and do not show evidence of aggravation during service. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus were also found not to be related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The pre-existing bilateral foot disabilities (including a right ankle disability) are deemed to have been aggravated by the natural progression of the condition, rather than being incurred or aggravated during service. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus were also found not to be related to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- severe pes planus deformity bilaterally, moderate degenerative changes of the talonavicular joint bilaterally, hallux valgus deformity of the right foot, hallux limitus deformity of the left first metatarsal phalangeal joint, hammer digit syndrome (bilateral foot disability), right ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2014
- Citation
- 1444651
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 1444651.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left, right ankle disabilities, left and right hip disabilities, left and right shin splints, and left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate nexus opinions in the VA examination reports. The Veteran contends that her current disabilities are related to injuries sustained during basic training.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, and a need for additional medical opinions considering the Veteran's military occupation as a water safety survival instructor.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and initial ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.
- Dismissed
The appeal of depression, anxiety, and distress is dismissed as the Veteran's PTSD encompassing these symptoms was granted. The respiratory disability (asthma) claim is granted. Tinnitus and lumbar spine and ankle disabilities are also granted. Bilateral hearing loss remains denied.
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