The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50% prior to January 23, 2020. Separate ratings of 10% are granted for hallux valgus of the right and left great toes with bunionettes from January 23, 2020. The Veteran's hammer toes are not entitled to separate compensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s bilateral pes planus is characterized by pronounced symptoms such as extreme tenderness on the plantar surfaces of both feet, which were not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances throughout the appeal period. This meets the criteria for a 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus, Hallux valgus of the right great toe with bunionettes, Hammer toes of the right 2nd and 3rd toes, Hammer toes of the left 2nd and 4th toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- August 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20055487
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 20055487.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for acquired flatfoot. The appeal is denied.
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