The Board denied service connection for a disorder of the thoracolumbar spine, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's claim for calluses on the plantar aspect of his feet was granted.,Service connection was not established for a bilateral hip disorder or bilateral pes planus due to lack of in-service injury or disease. Service connection was also denied for a disorder of the thoracolumbar spine as there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied because his audiometric results did not meet the criteria for hearing loss under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection was denied because there is no evidence of an in-service hip disorder and the Veteran's current hip pain and weakness do not meet the criteria for service connection. The Veteran's pes planus claim was also denied as there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim was denied because his audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- disorder of the thoracolumbar spine, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral pes planus, calluses of the plantar aspect
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19130949
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective February 1, 2023.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were not aggravated by his military 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.