The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and initial evaluations in excess of 20 percent were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran met or approximated the criteria for a higher evaluation, such as moderately severe muscle disability, which would warrant a 40% evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of gunshot wound of the left buttock, Osteoarthritis of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 28, 2002
- Citation
- 0210647
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 0210647.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the feet, as it is related to a service-connected condition (cold injury).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right foot hammertoes and osteoarthritis of the great toe are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria. The Veteran's left foot conditions have not been granted service connection.,Service connection for a left foot disability (hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, heel tenderness, bunions, corns, and osteoarthritis) remains pending as the AOJ has yet to issue an SSOC addressing this claim.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus with osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his left foot hallux valgus with surgical scar (metatarsal head resection) warrants a separate noncompensable rating for hammer toe of the first digit overlapping great toe. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under other diagnostic codes.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the left foot. The Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service, as evidenced by a June 2013 VA opinion. As such, the claim is granted.
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.