The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacies in an August 2013 VA examiner's opinion and a need for clarification on pre-existing condition allegations. The Veteran is required to undergo a new examination and provide addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his diagnosed foot disorders.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the previous examiner’s opinion was inadequate, particularly in not considering the lay statements from the Veteran and his fellow service members, as well as Dr. T.B.’s September 2020 opinion on the onset of the foot disorder during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Pes Cavus, Neuroma of the right second intermet space, Hammertoes, Atrophied fat pads, Degenerative joint disease of bilateral feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21004793
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 21004793.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, pes cavus, and sesamoiditis, do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to September 6, 2023.,From September 6, 2023, the Veteran is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 50 percent for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, pes cavus, and sesamoiditis.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, which includes acquired pes cavus with degenerative arthritis, hallux valgus, and hammertoes, has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. The evidence does not show actual loss of use of the feet.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient service treatment records and a need for further examination by a podiatrist. The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral foot disability, including plantar warts, is being reviewed on the merits.
- Denied
The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.
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