The Board denied the reduction of the disability rating for pes planus with hammertoes and callosities from 50% to 20%, finding that it was not supported by evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.
The deciding factor: The proposed reduction was based on a single examination without considering full and complete examinations as required by regulation, leading to an improper reduction.
- Claimed conditions
- pes planus with hammertoes and callosities, bilateral shoulder degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1613410
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 1613410.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for the dismissal of previously granted conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to his service-connected conditions, with obesity as an intermediate step, is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while his dyslipidemia and other disabilities are denied. The case is remanded for further examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and incomplete record. The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral shoulder disorder is now pending.
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