Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied service connection for left and right foot pes planus, as the Veteran's preexisting flat feet did not worsen during his active duty service.,The Board also denied service connection for left and right foot hallux rigidus with degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no in-service injury or disease to these joints.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not show an increase in the severity of the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus during his active duty service. The November 1971 post-active duty examination showed clinically normal feet and the Veteran did not report any foot trouble at that time.,There is no probative evidence of complaints or diagnoses pertinent to the Veteran's left or right metatarsophalangeal joints in his service treatment records, nor was there an in-service injury or disease to these joints.

Claimed conditions
left foot pes planus, right foot pes planus, left foot hallux rigidus with degenerative arthritis, right foot hallux rigidus with degenerative arthritis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
November 16, 2022
Citation
A22023226

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 A22023226.

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.

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.