The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with osteoarthritis, chronic lumbosacral strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome have been rated as they are currently manifested. The maximum schedular rating of 50% for bilateral pes planus has been assigned.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability ratings were based on the current manifestations of his service-connected conditions without considering any additional functional loss due to flare-ups or other factors, which is not allowed under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Planus with Osteoarthritis, Chronic Lumbosacral Strain, Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome with Degenerative Arthritis, Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome with Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19113258
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,863 · Granted: 26% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19113258.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension, and his lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that neither condition warrants a higher rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for her increased ratings and DEA benefits, finding that entitlement did not arise prior to July 22, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea and back disability, preclude his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 19, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is partially granted with some issues being remanded for further evaluation.
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.