The Board denied service connection for pes planus (flat feet) and remanded several other issues, including service connection for various disorders and increased ratings for the right knee. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
The deciding factor: The evidence clearly and unmistakably demonstrated that the Veteran's preexisting pes planus was not aggravated by service; rather, the reported in-service injury relates to foot strain, a distinct condition. For increased ratings, moderate instability during the period on appeal supported a 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
- Claimed conditions
- pes planus (flat feet), right knee fracture with instability, right knee limitation of flexion, right knee limitation of extension, right ankle disorder, back disorder, right lower extremity disorder, claimed as a lower leg disorder and to include radiculopathy, sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 19, 2025
- Citation
- 25015100
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.