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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1509490.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral foot pain disorder related to service and denied the claim.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.