The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability of the left leg independent and distinct from her service-connected low back condition. The initial evaluations for hallux valgus, postoperative, right foot and left foot are denied as they do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The initial evaluation for retropatellar pain syndrome, right knee is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The initial evaluation for total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to uterine fibroids (previously evaluated as uterine fibroids) has been granted and remains at a 30 percent evaluation from December 1, 1996 through November 14, 1997. The veteran's condition is now rated as 50 percent disabling from March 1, 1998.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the grant of higher evaluations for any of the conditions listed in the decision.
- Claimed conditions
- hallux valgus of the left foot, hallux valgus of the right foot, left leg condition, retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee, retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to uterine fibroids (previously evaluated as uterine fibroids)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2004
- Citation
- 0405142
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 0405142.
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.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal requests for service connection and increased ratings were denied due to untimeliness, as the appeals were not filed within one year of the respective rating decisions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left leg conditions, as well as right and left hand conditions, to schedule VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for multiple conditions, including left and right leg, arm, knee, shoulder, kidney, plantar fasciitis, and back conditions, as further development is needed to address pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition, left arm condition, low back condition, and left leg condition as the evidence did not support a finding of a current disability related to service.
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