The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus (right), post-traumatic stress disorder (MST), left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and post right foot hallux valgus surgery scars, do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at a combined of 80 percent, meeting the schedular prerequisite for a total disability rating. However, they alone are not sufficient to render her unemployable due to their severity and nature.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus (right)","rating":50}, {"condition_name":"Post-traumatic stress disorder (MST)","rating":50}, {"condition_name":"Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome","rating":10}, {"condition_name":"Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome","rating":10}, {"condition_name":"Post right foot hallux valgus surgery scars","rating":10}, {"condition_name":"Hallux valgus, left foot and post right hallux valgus surgery scars","rating":0}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

80%

Decision date

April 24, 2019

Citation

19131409