The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral acquired pes planus was denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination. The Veteran's left foot hammer toe was also denied service connection as it is not related to service or his service-connected pes planus.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to appear for scheduled VA examinations, leading to the denial of his claim for a higher rating for bilateral acquired pes planus. For the left foot hammer toe, there was no evidence linking the condition to service or his service-connected pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral acquired pes planus, left foot hammer toe
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18124927
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 18124927.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all appeals regarding his service-connected conditions and related disability ratings, effective as of March 16, 2026.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot hammer toe and bilateral knees are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as their relationship to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for right foot hammer toe, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus has been remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board will seek medical opinions on these claims.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating claims related to various knee and foot disabilities, including scar from a bunionectomy. The Board dismissed the appeal.
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.