The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding service connection for flatfeet. The Veteran's pre-existing condition of asymptomatic mild pes planus was noted prior to service entrance, and he received arch supports in August 1988 during active service. The examiner is required to determine if there was an increase in severity of the flatfeet during service.
The deciding factor: The Board found a duty to assist error regarding the pre-existing condition of flatfeet and its aggravation during service, necessitating further examination and opinion from VA medical personnel.
- Claimed conditions
- flatfeet
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24080425
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 A24080425.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot dermatophytosis, tinea pedis, onychomycosis and eczema and flatfeet on an aggravation basis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if his current neck disorder, left arm disorder, flatfeet, and shin splints are related to service. The issues of secondary service connection for the left arm disorder and new and material evidence for the shin splints have also been addressed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's service treatment records (STRs) from his initial tour of active duty in the United States Army are incomplete. The claims for headaches, left knee disability, and flatfeet have been remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need to obtain STRs.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development and consideration, including those related to migraines, right and left carpel tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), back pains and low back strain, and flatfeet.
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