The Veteran's service-connected disability of both feet is rated at 30 percent since April 19, 2012. The appeal for increased evaluation and SMC was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or additional SMC benefits due to the severity of his dementia and resulting functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- Pes planus, Metatarsus adductus with bunion deformity, Plantar spur, Degenerative arthritis of interphalangeal joints and plantar spurs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20053112
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 20053112.
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 Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for pes planus of the left foot as he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause.
- Denied
The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral foot pain disorder related to service and denied the claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection. The claims for pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The PTSD rating is also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for right knee injury pain. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and pes planus are remanded due to the need for a VA examination considering toxic exposure risk activities.
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.