The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, C5-6, with right radiculopathy and an increased evaluation for hallux rigidus of the left great toe. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hallux rigidus of the right great toe was not addressed as it is not related to his period of honorable service.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service medical records did not show any complaints, findings or diagnoses related to degenerative disc disease, C5-6. The Board found that there was no evidence showing that hallux rigidus of the right great toe developed during his period of honorable service and denied the claim for service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease, C5-6, hallux rigidus of the right great toe, hallux rigidus of the left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 31, 2003
- Citation
- 0336733
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 0336733.
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
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The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence is at least equally balanced in favor of a relationship to an in-service motor vehicle accident.
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