The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and denied entitlement to a separate rating for hammertoes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the presence of marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo Achillis on manipulation, which are required for a higher rating under DC 5276. Additionally, there was no evidence that the hammertoes were a progression of the bilateral flatfoot disability.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus (flatfoot), status-post bunionectomy of fifth metatarsals, hammertoes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25051023
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot hallux valgus, pes planus, hammertoes, and degenerative arthritis, with an effective date of February 19, 2019. The Board also granted an increased (40 percent) rating for residuals, rupture, right biceps tendon with elbow limitation of supination and extension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis since April 22, 2021, but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings prior to that date.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral feet arthritis and cold injury residuals of both feet, but denied service connection for hammertoes.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy and service connection for bilateral clawfoot was withdrawn by the Veteran, thus the Board has no jurisdiction to review these appeals.
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