The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar strain, and left knee strain. The initial rating period from March 5, 2024, was denied for allergic rhinitis.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the preexisting bilateral pes planus worsened during service, and there was a low back injury with symptoms beginning during service which persisted post-service, warranting direct service connection for lumbar strain. The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence of worsening beyond natural progression for pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, lumbar strain, left knee strain, allergic rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25108424
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