The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability (fracture of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsals) is associated with his acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety). The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder related to his active service and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. Service connection for this condition is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, was less likely than not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities, but the Board affords high probative value to the Veteran's lay statements and finds in favor of a connection based on the lack of any mental health treatment during military service and since.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot pes planus, residuals of stress fracture with chronic pain, right ankle chronic pain
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26012284
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 A26012284.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for various conditions including hypoglycemia, sinusitis, left foot pes planus, right foot pes planus, right foot plantar fasciitis, left ankle pain, left hip osteoarthritis, left knee sprain, bradycardia, dry eye, hernia, hypercholesterolemia, and bilateral hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left foot plantar fasciitis and left foot pes planus due to inadequate examination, failure to consider continuity of symptoms, and need for further medical opinion.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning an increased evaluation for left foot pes planus is dismissed.,The appeals concerning service connection for cervical spine condition, right tennis elbow, and right knee condition are dismissed.,The claim for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis and sleep apnea will be readjudicated.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are dismissed. The Board also denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
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.