The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing hammertoes did not increase in severity during service and denied service connection for bilateral hammertoes. For residuals of frostbite, as there was no combat involvement, the relaxed standard under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b) does not apply, and the Board denied service connection based on lack of evidence showing cold exposure or injury during service.

The deciding factor: The veteran's pre-existing hammertoes did not increase in severity during service, as there is no evidence of aggravation from a right small toe contusion. The residuals of frostbite claim was denied because there was no combat involvement and thus the relaxed standard under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b) does not apply.

Claimed conditions

bilateral hammertoes, residuals of frostbite

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 6, 2003

Citation

0303947

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 0303947.