The appeal of the October 2017 rating decision that combined BPP/BPF and DJD is denied. The issue of increased rating for lumbosacral strain, including separate ratings for radiculopathy and neuropathy, and service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to the lumbosacral strain is remanded.
The deciding factor: The RO did not properly apply the regulations regarding pyramiding in the October 2009 rating decision, leading to a combined evaluation of BPP/BPF with DJD over feet at 50 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Veteran's representative argued that there was no CUE in the original decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Planus (BPP), Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Feet
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21072110
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 21072110.
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 the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus (BPP) as it is determined that the condition increased in severity during service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
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