The Board denied increased disability ratings for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities, including pes planus, hallux valgus, and hammer toes, as the evidence did not support higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record did not show symptomatology outside that listed in the rating criteria, and there was no indication of severe or disabling conditions warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, right foot hallux valgus with right foot calcaneal spur, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hammer toes (great toe, second toe, third toe), left foot hammer toes (second, third, fourth, and little toes)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2025
- Citation
- A25043543
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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