Granted
The Board granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent for thoracolumbar strain, restored the 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus, and restored basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated forward flexion of 30 degrees or less during flare-ups, which warranted a higher rating than previously assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar strain, Bilateral pes planus, Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 15, 2025
- Citation
- A25108029
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