The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 7, 2017 for the award of service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and metatarsalgia was denied as there is no evidence of a pre-existing implicit or explicit claim. The Board found that September 7, 2017 is the appropriate effective date.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and metatarsalgia was denied as there is no evidence to support a higher rating. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The effective date of an award of service connection is determined by when the Veteran submitted his intent to file a claim, which was September 7, 2017. Prior to this date, there were no implicit or explicit claims of service connection for a foot disability.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and metatarsalgia is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and metatarsalgia, Left hip disability, Right hip disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23055917
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 23055917.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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