The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left and right pes planus, hammer toes, and hallux valgus were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show pronounced bilateral flatfoot or other symptoms warranting a rating in excess of 30 percent for the left foot disability or 20 percent for the right foot disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Left pes planus, Right pes planus, Hammer toes (left), Hallux valgus (right)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26007039
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26007039.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right pes planus was denied. The effective date of the increased rating from 20 percent to February 12, 2020, is also denied.,The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the increase in his right pes planus disability rating is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for hypertension pursuant to the PACT Act and for bilateral pes planus. Service connection for hypertension on a basis other than pursuant to the PACT Act is remanded due to duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's left Achilles tendon injury and related conditions are rated at 30 percent, effective from November 30, 2010. The rating for his back disability is denied.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right and left pes planus were aggravated by service beyond their natural progression.
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