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.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence showing that the Veteran's right pes planus worsened within a year prior to the February 12, 2020 claim. The VA received the claim on February 12, 2020, and there is no medical record indicating worsening of the condition in the one-year look back period.,The effective date for the increased rating was set at February 12, 2020, as it was within a year prior to the receipt of the Veteran's claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Right pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26009977
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 A26009977.
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 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.
- 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 Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right and left pes planus were aggravated by service beyond their natural progression.
- Granted
The Veteran's right pes planus has been rated as 10 percent disabling from May 6, 2011 to June 8, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a 10 percent rating have been met during this period.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.