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, Low back strain, Bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18139938.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus and remanded the claims for service connection for tingling and numbness in the bilateral lower extremities and entitlement to TDIU.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period from May 25, 2016 to January 18, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for right foot hallux valgus from January 9, 2024, and denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for pes planus from July 27, 2023. A 20 percent rating was assigned prior to April 26, 2019, for the Veteran's right compartment syndrome with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right foot drop, and right shin splint.
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.