The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, the maximum allowed.,Right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are both rated at their respective maximums of 30% and 20%, respectively.,Cervical spine degenerative disc disease is rated at 10%. The Veteran's lumbar strain has been granted staged ratings, with a 10% rating from September 21, 2003 to September 16, 2019 and a 20% rating thereafter.,The Veteran’s claims for higher initial ratings are denied.
The deciding factor: The maximum rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus has been assigned based on the severity of the condition. The Veteran does not meet criteria for an increased rating under any other diagnostic codes or due to exceptional impairment.,Right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are rated at their respective maximums as there is no evidence of more than mild incomplete paralysis in either nerve, which would warrant a higher rating.,Cervical spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 10%, the minimum for this condition. The Veteran's lumbar strain has been granted staged ratings based on the severity of his symptoms over time.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus, Right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve entrapment, Left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve entrapment, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2021
- Citation
- 21010341
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 21010341.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for a groin condition.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.