The Board denied service connection for left and right pes planus as the conditions clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show an increase in disability during service or that any 'increase in disability was due to the natural progress of' preexisting condition.
- Claimed conditions
- left pes planus, right pes planus
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25022248
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 1, 2022 for the award of service connection for right pes planus and right foot scars.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as the evidence submitted was not new and relevant.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 30 percent rating for left hallux rigidus, status post failed foot surgery with degenerative arthritis and hallux limitus, from the date of reduction. The appeal was denied for ratings in excess of 30 percent for left hallux rigidus and in excess of 10 percent for left great toe scar. The Board remanded claims for service connection for right pes planus and an increased rating for left pes planus.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left pes planus as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.
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