The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed foot disabilities, specifically whether the notation of pes planus at separation could contribute to chronic residual conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not adequately address the crux of the Veteran's contention about the notation of pes planus at separation and its potential contribution to his current foot disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, plantocalcaneal exostosis complicated by calcaneal bursitis and plantar fasciitis, degenerative changes of the talonavicular joint, heel spurs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20070480
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective February 1, 2023.
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