The Veteran's service connection claims for a dental disorder, lumbar strain, and bilateral pes planus were denied. The lumbar strain claim was not granted as the evidence did not show limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes of IVDS. The bilateral pes planus claim was also not granted due to lack of symptoms consistent with a 50% rating under DC 5276 or DC 5278.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support the presence of the required symptoms for higher ratings based on limitation of motion, incapacitating episodes of IVDS, or specific diagnoses such as bilateral claw foot.
- Claimed conditions
- Dental disorder, Lumbar strain, Bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2018
- Citation
- 18139938
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 18139938.
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: Granted
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
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