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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1701435.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder condition or neck condition, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The claims of service connection for a neck condition as secondary to a service-connected right wrist condition and for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to insufficient evidence.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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.