The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, and osteoarthritis, are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied an increased rating for these conditions as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. Additionally, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities are rated based on their underlying condition of post-traumatic arthritis and acquired flatfoot, with specific ratings for plantar fasciitis under DC 5269. The criteria do not meet the requirements for a higher rating as there is no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment for his plantar fasciitis. His osteoarthritis does not warrant a separate rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis, Calcaneal Spurs, Osteoarthritis of the Feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23060757
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 23060757.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, memory loss/memory problems, chronic fatigue, sleep difficulties/sleep disturbances, and sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of testicular denervation and varicosectomy has been granted.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder was dismissed due to untimely filing. The claim of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted effective July 18, 2020. The case involves the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including PTSD, OSA, diabetes, cataracts, neuropathy, and other conditions.
- Granted
An effective date of July 1, 2020 is granted for Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).,An effective date of July 1, 2020 is also granted for basic eligibility for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) due to permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
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.