The Veteran's right and left ankle conditions, including pain, medical treatment, corresponding functional impairment and flare-ups, are rated at 20 percent. Service connection for pes planus is granted. The Veteran's claims for big toe joint pain and swelling on feet, PTSD, and left wrist condition are dismissed.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s bilateral ankle conditions more nearly approximated a 20 percent rating throughout the appeal due to daily ankle pain, swelling, and flare-ups requiring medication and missing work for visits to the emergency room. Service connection was granted for pes planus as it had its onset during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle avulsion fracture with arthritis, Left ankle osteoarthritis, Pes planus, Big toe joint pain and swelling left foot, Big toe join pain and swelling right foot, Heel spur right foot, Heel spur left foot, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Left wrist condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20060413
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 20060413.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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