The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's left foot disability, characterized by hallux valgus with bunion, rotation of the big toe, and residuals of surgery with hammer toes, shortening, dislocation, deformity, and callus formation, warrants a 30 percent evaluation. The appeal is denied as higher evaluations are not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran meets the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5278, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to bilateral impairment or other exceptional circumstances.
- Claimed conditions
- hallux valgus, bunion, rotation of the left big toe, residuals of surgery with hammer toes, shortening, dislocation, deformity and callus formation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2002
- Citation
- 0214810
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 0214810.
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 remands the claim for a left foot condition to satisfy a statutory duty related to the Veteran's service-connected knee conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain a more thorough medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's left foot/toe disorders are related to her service or secondary to her service-connected left knee disability.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed because the Veteran did not timely file a Board Appeal request and no good cause was shown for the late filing.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot conditions, including hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, and midfoot arthritis.
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