The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical strain and bilateral pes planus were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current 20 percent and 30 percent evaluations, respectively.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran had forward flexion limited to 20 degrees with pain during flare-ups, which does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain. For pes planus, the evidence did not show pronounced bilateral acquired flatfoot (marked pronation, extreme tenderness on plantar surfaces, marked deformity, etc.), thus preventing a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain, Pes planus (flatfoot)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24019424
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 A24019424.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain, service connection for left leg pain (claimed as joint pain), and service connection for a left ear hearing condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, low back disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral nerve disability, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral nerve disability. The conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.
- Granted
Service connection for PTSD, to include depression is granted.,Service connection for blisters of bilateral feet is denied.,Service connection for cervical strain is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff injury is denied.,Service connection for chest injury and lumbar strain are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical strain and vitreous floaters have been granted service connection as they are directly related to his military service.
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