{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/pes-planus","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:33:41.717Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Pes planus","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":948,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":22.5,"denied_pct":36.6,"remanded_pct":42,"granted_on_merits_pct":38,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":64,"granted_pct":26.6,"denied_pct":42.2,"remanded_pct":20.3},{"year":2018,"issues":76,"granted_pct":17.1,"denied_pct":38.2,"remanded_pct":40.8},{"year":2019,"issues":92,"granted_pct":21.7,"denied_pct":40.2,"remanded_pct":35.9},{"year":2020,"issues":145,"granted_pct":18.6,"denied_pct":42.1,"remanded_pct":38.6},{"year":2021,"issues":128,"granted_pct":23.4,"denied_pct":43,"remanded_pct":32},{"year":2022,"issues":135,"granted_pct":16.3,"denied_pct":36.3,"remanded_pct":47.4},{"year":2023,"issues":138,"granted_pct":22.5,"denied_pct":33.3,"remanded_pct":42},{"year":2024,"issues":169,"granted_pct":16.6,"denied_pct":30.8,"remanded_pct":50.9},{"year":2025,"issues":113,"granted_pct":25.7,"denied_pct":35.4,"remanded_pct":37.2},{"year":2026,"issues":55,"granted_pct":25.5,"denied_pct":21.8,"remanded_pct":52.7}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":70,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":176,"granted_pct_with":58.5,"granted_pct_without":31.1},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":808,"granted_pct_with":35.5,"granted_pct_without":57.8},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":155,"granted_pct_with":68.8,"granted_pct_without":30.6},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":500,"granted_pct_with":33.1,"granted_pct_without":42.3},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":274,"granted_pct_with":46.3,"granted_pct_without":34.7},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":54,"granted_pct_with":50,"granted_pct_without":37},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":842,"granted_pct_with":37.6,"granted_pct_without":42.3}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":6},{"reason":"already at the maximum schedular rating","decisions":5},{"reason":"extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces","decisions":5},{"reason":"symptoms not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances","decisions":4},{"reason":"caused by the service-connected disability","decisions":4},{"reason":"pain on manipulation and use accentuated","decisions":3}],"denied":[{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":28},{"reason":"already at the maximum schedular rating","decisions":25},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":13},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":13},{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":12},{"reason":"benefit of the doubt / evidence in equipoise","decisions":8}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26034692","year":2026,"judge":"S.C. KREMBS","rationale":"Left foot pes planus rated 30 percent; Extreme tenderness on plantar surface; Pain on use, not improved by orthopedic shoes"},{"case_id":"A26032025","year":2026,"judge":"S. HENEKS","rationale":"Pre-service mild pes planus noted on enlistment.; Aggravated beyond natural progression by in-service duties.; Increase in severity during service and post-service.; No clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut aggravation presumption."},{"case_id":"A26031308","year":2026,"judge":"JOHN Z. JONES","rationale":"Veteran competent and credible reporter of symptoms; Severe pain and pronation noted; No relief from orthopedic inserts"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26037071","year":2026,"judge":"LESLEY A. REIN","rationale":"Resolving reasonable doubt in veteran's favor.; Testimony at Board hearing regarding worsening symptoms.; Objective evidence of marked pronation, tenderness, and spasm."},{"case_id":"A26032454","year":2026,"judge":"H.M. WALKER","rationale":"Evidence does not support rating higher than 30 percent; Symptoms do not approximate pronounced bilateral flatfoot; Other diagnostic codes not applicable due to lack of distinct manifestations"},{"case_id":"A26031827","year":2026,"judge":"MARCUS N. FULTON","rationale":"Veteran already rated at maximum 50% for pes planus under DC 5276.; Evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.; No new and material evidence or substantive appeal for earlier effective date."}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}