The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is the primary factor in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. Other conditions, such as left knee strain, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, lumbosacral strain, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus, also contribute but do not significantly impact his employability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is the most severe service-connected condition affecting his ability to work. The pain and functional impairment from this condition prevent him from performing sedentary work, which exacerbates when standing or walking for long periods.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Left Knee Strain with Osteoarthritis, Right Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Lumbosacral Strain with Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Right Knee Strain, Tinnitus, Right Foot Hallux Valgus, Left Foot Hallux Valgus, Left Ear Hearing Loss, Right Hammer Toes, Left Hammer Toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 31, 2024
- Citation
- A24086698
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 A24086698.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
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