The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, separately or combined, precluded his employment. The Board considered the aggregate effect of all the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities on his employability and functional ability.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus, Pilonidal cyst, Limited flexion of the thigh, left hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus, Impairment of the thigh, right hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus, Limited and painful extension of the thigh, right hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus, Limited flexion of the thigh, right hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus, Impairment of the thigh, left hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus, Limited and painful extension of the thigh, left hip strain associated with bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21012583
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 21012583.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for acquired flatfoot. The appeal is denied.
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