The Board granted service connection for left foot pes planus, finding that the condition worsened during active service and is considered aggravated by a pre-existing condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows an increase in severity of bilateral pes planus during service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to show this was due to natural progression. The right foot disability is already service-connected, supporting the finding of aggravation.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot pes planus
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25045248
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 15, 2022, for a 10 percent maximum initial rating for service-connected right foot metatarsalgia and granted service connection for right foot pes planus and left foot pes planus.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for left and right foot pes planus, plantar fasciitis, right ankle pain, left ankle pain, right hip pain, and left hip pain was dismissed due to an impermissible concurrent election of review.
- Denied
The Board denied the appellant's claim for attorney fees based on past-due benefits from an April 2024 decision that awarded service connection for left foot pes planus.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability as there was no evidence of an injury during active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA. The other claims were remanded to correct a duty to assist error.
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.