The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the neck/cervical spine that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service. The Veteran's service-connected hammertoes of the right foot are manifested by symptoms associated with multiple toes; they are not manifested by claw foot or other foot injuries. Prior to August 18, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was manifested by mild symptomatology; it was not manifested by moderate symptoms with weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo Achilles, pain on manipulation and use of the feet. As of August 18, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been manifested with marked deformity (such as pronation) and pain on manipulation and use accentuated; it has not been associated with pronounced symptoms such as marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is manifested by osteoarthritis with painful motion and the removal of semilunar cartilage that is symptomatic; it is not manifested by flexion to 60 degrees or less, limited extension, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, impairment of the tibia and fibula or genu recurvatum. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not meet the criteria for a separate evaluation of 10 percent for a right knee meniscectomy.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current neck condition is related to his military service, and it was not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and right knee disability are manifestations of generalized osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints, which do not meet the criteria for separate evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Neck Condition, Hammertoe Deformity with Hallux Valgus (Right Foot), Bilateral Pes Planus, Right Knee Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2017
- Citation
- 1701435
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 1701435.
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Related decisions
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates for tension headaches and lower back condition. The remaining issues of service connection for eye, neck, persistent cough, TBI residuals, and bilateral leg conditions are REMANDED.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for athletes' foot and a greater than 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus have been dismissed due to untimely VA Form 10182 submissions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for traumatic brain injury is granted, and he is awarded a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and additional disabilities.
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