The Board denied service connection for left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, and bilateral pes planus as the evidence did not support a finding of onset in or relating to military service. The claims were based on direct service connection.
The deciding factor: The August 2024 and December 2024 VA examinations found that the Veteran's hallux valgus and pes planus were not incurred in or caused by service, as there was no evidence of relevant foot problems during service and the first evidence of these conditions appeared years after separation from service.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 12, 2025
- Citation
- 25007896
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective February 1, 2023.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were not aggravated by his military service.
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