The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) developed during service or is otherwise related to his military service. The decision is remanded for this purpose.
The deciding factor: The evidence indicates that the Veteran may have had flatfeet prior to service, but there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing condition aggravated by service. Therefore, a VA examination is needed to determine if the current bilateral pes planus developed during service or is otherwise related to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus (flatfeet)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20013189
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 20013189.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus condition increased in severity during service and is therefore granted for aggravation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, right foot hammertoes, and bilateral pes planus (flatfeet) due to inadequate examination records. The case is being returned to the VA for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, pes planus (flatfeet), and varicose veins are remanded for further development.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders is granted.
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