The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the right ankle disability prior to November 16, 2019 and from April 23, 2021 onward; denied a higher rating during other periods. The Board also granted a 30 percent disability rating for the right foot pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, left foot achilles spur and degenerative arthritis, and right foot hallux valgus from September 28, 2023 to May 29, 2025; denied a higher rating during other periods. The Board granted TDIU for the period from March 1, 2025 to June 6, 2025.

The deciding factor: The evidence of record was at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's right ankle and foot disabilities resulted in symptoms that were commensurate with a severe injury under Diagnostic Codes 5271 and 5284; however, there was no evidence that his disability resulted in loss of use of the foot or other severe manifestations.

Claimed conditions

Residuals of Achilles tendonitis and heel spur of the right lower extremity (right ankle disability), Right foot pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, left foot achilles spur and degenerative arthritis, and right foot hallux valgus

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 29, 2025

Citation

25013398

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine