The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes cavus with metatarsalgia and hammertoes, bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus of the right foot, and amputation of the fifth digit, is granted at a 50 percent rating from December 16, 2019. The Veteran's right foot disability remains denied for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability warrants a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5278-5299 for pes cavus with metatarsalgia and hammertoes from December 16, 2019. The symptoms described are consistent with severe bilateral pes cavus with marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, and swelling on use.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral acquired pes cavus with metatarsalgia, hammertoes, Bilateral pes planus, Bilateral plantar fasciitis with degenerative joint disease of the right foot, Amputation of bilateral fifth digit, Hallux valgus status post resection of metatarsal head of the right big toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23064759
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 23064759.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for acquired flatfoot. The appeal is denied.
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