The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The GSW with left foot conditions are rated at 20 percent, effective February 21, 2017. The PTSD claim remains at a 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not provide sufficient evidence to warrant higher ratings based on the current symptomatology and diagnostic criteria for muscle injuries and PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot plantar fasciitis, fracture of the left fifth toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19100681
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, type II diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, left and right knee disabilities, and left and right foot plantar fasciitis to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for upper chest wall pain and right sciatic radicular pain, while remanding claims for secondary service connection involving the feet, legs, and ankles.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions and denied increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or aggravation related to service.
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.