The Board denied service connection for pes planus of both the left and right feet, finding that the preexisting condition did not increase in severity during or as a result of active duty service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of worsening beyond the natural progression of the disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20067769
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 Veteran's request for an earlier effective date than August 31, 2016, for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome with spondylolisthesis and pes planus because that was the date VA received his intent to file a claim following a previous final denial.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right third toe disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding evidence and further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for pes planus, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for left foot surgical scars and residuals of bunionectomy due to the need for an SOC.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection and rating of the veteran's conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, knee, spine, shoulder, and foot issues, has been withdrawn and dismissed.
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