The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tendinitis/metatarsalgia has been rated at the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5279, and is denied as there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination found that the Veteran's metatarsalgia was only moderate in nature and did not meet criteria for any higher evaluation based on functional impairment or pain.
- Claimed conditions
- tendinitis/metatarsalgia, bilateral pes planus (flatfeet), healed distal fibular fractures
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2017
- Citation
- 1703263
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 1703263.
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus condition increased in severity during service and is therefore granted for aggravation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, right foot hammertoes, and bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) due to inadequate examination records. The case is being returned to the VA for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, pes planus (flatfeet), and varicose veins are remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) developed during service or is otherwise related to his military service. The decision is remanded for this purpose.
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