The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that both conditions were aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed a worsening of preexisting bilateral pes planus during service and continuous symptoms of lumbar spine arthritis since service separation, leading to the granting of service connection on an aggravation basis for the former and presumptive service connection for the latter.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, Chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine arthritis)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- January 3, 2024
- Citation
- 24000160
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, granted service connection for adjustment disorder, and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits due to insufficient evidence of disability severity beyond the current ratings.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the Veteran's appeal for service connection for radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves, but denied it for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. Agent fees were awarded in part.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.
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