The Veteran's left and right leg shin splints are not manifested by at least slight knee or ankle disability, resulting in a denial of compensable ratings.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran's GERD has been manifested by pyrosis and reflux, qualifying for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there are no symptoms meeting the criteria for a 30 or 60 percent rating.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran’s bilateral pes planus symptoms in their totality reflect at worst moderate pes planus, qualifying for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there are no symptoms meeting the criteria for a 20 or 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any significant knee or ankle disability due to shin splints, and the Veteran's shin splints do not affect joint function.,The Veteran’s GERD is currently controlled with medication (Nexium), which alleviates symptoms of pyrosis and reflux. Without this treatment, he would meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.,Bilateral pes planus was found to be at worst moderate in severity, as evidenced by the Veteran's ability to walk without significant pain or disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Left leg shin splints, Right leg shin splints, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21004985
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21004985.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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