The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back, right ring finger, and left foot hallux valgus disabilities but granted an initial 30 percent rating for pes planus from August 17, 2021, a 50 percent rating for pes planus from December 15, 2023, and a separate 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from August 17, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of severe limitation of motion or other disabling factors. The right ring finger and left foot hallux valgus were also denied as they did not meet the necessary criteria, while pes planus was granted based on the severity of symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis, status post fracture mid portion of fourth metacarpal of right hand (right ring finger disability), pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left foot hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25109871
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