The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disorder was incurred in service, as there is clear and unmistakable evidence of its existence prior to service and some evidence suggesting aggravation during service.
The deciding factor: There is clear and unmistakable evidence that a bilateral foot disorder preexisted service. The Board also found some probative evidence suggesting in-service aggravation of the preexisting condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hallux Valgus, Bilateral Pes Cavus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 8, 2016
- Citation
- 1623037
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 1623037.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee strains, residuals of a left ankle concussion, and bilateral pes cavus are found to be related to his obstructive sleep apnea. His claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 31, 2020.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left foot toes, right foot toes, left knee condition, right knee condition, and back condition due to potential errors in decision-making process.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right foot pes planus (flatfoot) has been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate severe bilateral flatfeet.
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.