The Veteran's left shoulder strain, rotator cuff tendonitis, post coracoclavicular ligament tear, and degenerative changes are granted as service-connected.,An initial 10 percent rating for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis is granted from February 28, 2014 through October 16, 2022. The Veteran's condition was relieved by arch supports during this period.,Since October 17, 2022, the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are rated at 30 percent due to symptoms such as pain, characteristic callosities, decreased longitudinal arch height on weight-bearing, marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon.
The deciding factor: The evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities began during active service.,There was bilateral pes planus with symptoms relieved by arch supports from February 28, 2014 through October 16, 2022. Since then, the Veteran's condition has worsened and now requires a higher rating due to more severe symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder strain, rotator cuff tendonitis, post coracoclavicular ligament tear, degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23006862
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 23006862.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining clarification from the August 2017 VA examiner regarding which symptoms are related to his service-connected left trapezius strain and whether any non-service-connected conditions represent a progression of that disability.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's hypertension, left shoulder strain, and right shoulder disability are all granted as service-connected.,The Veteran is also remanded for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine and for service connection for sleep apnea.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left knee strain with degenerative changes, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury.
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.