The Veteran's bilateral metatarsal deformities and osteoarthritis of the feet are at least as likely as not related to active service, and thus service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: Service treatment records indicate that the Veteran was put on a profile for foot problems during her active duty, which she was excused from wearing lace-up shoes. She also reported ongoing bilateral foot pain in VA treatment records dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral metatarsal deformities, osteoarthritis of the feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2015
- Citation
- 1505250
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 1505250.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an addendum medical opinion to address the nature and etiology of the claimed bilateral foot disability, including osteoarthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as his claim for increased ratings. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of service connection claims has been withdrawn due to the appellant's decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hands, and feet. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities is also service connected as secondary to the service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Service connection was denied for rheumatoid arthritis and a respiratory disorder (COPD and asthma).
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