The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus with associated conditions, as well as his request for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss on the basis of clear and unmistakable error, were both granted. The effective dates are set at March 4, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pes planus was found to be mild-to-moderate with symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support, warranting a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss on the basis of clear and unmistakable error was granted based on proper application of the law as it was understood at the time of the September 1966 rating decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus with associated plantar fasciitis, Hammer toes (bilateral), Hallux valgus (bilateral), Plantar fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2015
- Citation
- 1509490
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1509490.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and dismissed the proposed severance of service connection for plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's current allergic rhinitis is considered to have started during his period of active duty for training.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral foot pain disorder related to service and denied the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection. The claims for pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The PTSD rating is also remanded.
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