The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus claim was denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent. Her genital herpes (gynecological condition) claim was also denied due to lack of characteristic lesions affecting at least five percent but less than twenty percent of her entire body or exposed areas and intermittent systemic therapy required within the past twelve months.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pes cavus did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not demonstrate all toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads. Her genital herpes did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of characteristic lesions affecting at least five percent but less than twenty percent of her entire body or exposed areas and intermittent systemic therapy required within the past twelve months.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Cavus, Genital Herpes (Gynecological Condition)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23039495
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 23039495.
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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee strains, residuals of a left ankle concussion, and bilateral pes cavus are found to be related to his obstructive sleep apnea. His claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further examination. The issues are related to an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically generalized anxiety disorder, and a bilateral foot condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder strain, bilateral pes cavus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all rated at the maximum allowable under their respective diagnostic codes. The Board denied his claims for increased ratings as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 11, 2020.
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.