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Denied

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus, and hammer toes is adequately rated under the applicable rating criteria. The Board concluded that the schedular evaluation reasonably described his disability level and symptomatology.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms of pain were addressed by the rating criteria for bilateral flat feet (DC 5276), which includes provisions for marked deformity, extreme tenderness, and pain on manipulation not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. The use of a cane, cortisone injections, and surgical treatment are methods used to manage his symptoms but do not place his disability outside the rating criteria.

Claimed conditions
bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus, and hammer toes
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
50%
Decision date
October 14, 2014
Citation
1445457

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 1445457.

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