The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot and knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of pes planus, hammertoes, and degenerative joint disease have been continuous since service separation.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of pes planus, hammertoes, and DJD are related to his in-service complaints and treatment for foot problems during basic training with ill-fitted boots. The Board also found that the bilateral knee osteoarthritis is related to wear and tear from service-related activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Right foot pes planus, Left foot pes planus, Right hammertoe, Left hammertoe, Right degenerative joint disease (DJD), Left degenerative joint disease (DJD), Right knee osteoarthritis, Left knee osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23044802
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 23044802.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is granted, with a 30 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis (flexion) and left hip strain, osteoarthritis and bursitis based on painful motion are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis is also denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and left knee, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to potential toxic exposure in service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis rating was restored to 40%, and an effective date of July 26, 2013, for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was granted. The intermediate rate SMC effective date also aligns with this date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for right knee strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (radiculopathy), and left foot pes planus due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service treatment records do not indicate a complaint or diagnosis of these conditions during service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the current diagnoses and service.
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