Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral hip arthritis.,An initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right index finger was denied. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right thumb injury was denied. A separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, for residuals of inguinal hernia was granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral hip arthritis are supported by service treatment records showing symptoms during service and post-service medical evidence confirming the conditions. The Board found that the Veteran's reports of in-service symptoms were credible.,For right index finger limitation of motion, the VA examiners did not find any ankylosis or painful motion, which would warrant a higher rating. For right thumb injury, the VA examiners noted no more than 1 to 2 inch gap between thumb and fingers, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For postoperative inguinal hernia residuals, the Veteran reported pain, difficulty with socks and shoes, and prolonged sitting, but did not require truss or belt. The VA examiners found no ankylosis of the inguinal hernia scar.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Planus, Bilateral Knee Arthritis, Bilateral Hip Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22012673
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 22012673.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for athletes' foot and a greater than 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus have been dismissed due to untimely VA Form 10182 submissions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been remanded.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence in the file on which to decide these claims. The appellant's VA treatment records contain diagnoses of GAD and OSA, and he reported symptoms related to his disabilities during service. A new examination and opinion are required to determine if the acquired psychiatric disorder is associated with service, as well as for OSA and bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis.
- Granted
The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 100 percent for PTSD effective April 3, 2024, and assigned an earlier effective date of August 29, 2024, for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's claim for DEA benefits and a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus is denied.
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