The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral flatfeet did not manifest in service or for a significant period thereafter and thus denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show any pre-existing condition of flatfeet, and there is no credible evidence to support the Veteran's assertions regarding the onset or etiology of his flatfeet during military service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral flatfeet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1543663
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 1543663.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding his service connection for bilateral flatfeet was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability rating for bilateral flatfeet and plantar fasciitis was reduced from 30% to 10%, effective November 1, 2024. The claim is granted as the reduction was improper.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral flatfeet, left ankle pain, left hip pain, right hip pain, lower back pain, and right ankle pain to obtain a VA examination.
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.