The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated as 30 percent disabling since August 6, 2013. The Board finds that the symptoms warrant a higher rating prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The February 2009 VA examination report documented severe symptoms such as callosities and unusual shoe wear pattern bilaterally, swelling of the left foot, and marked inward displacement/severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation. These findings are consistent with the criteria for a 30 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, Left ankle injury with chip fracture of distal tibia and early degenerative arthritis, Bilateral pes planus with degenerative joint disease, Left hallux valgus, Right hallux valgus, Left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar spine disability, Right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 26, 2015
- Citation
- 1512804
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 1512804.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for his lumbar spine disability from 40% to 40%, effective August 31, 2020. The reduction was improper due to lack of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received with respect to all the service connection claims on appeal. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disabilities, including hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, are related to his service-connected residuals of right Achilles tendon rupture. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine due to an inadequate VA examination.
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