Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board found that the veteran's right foot disability, characterized by hammertoe, traumatic arthritis, pain, fatigability, and limitation of motion, is severe but not so severe as to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran's condition was equivalent to total amputation or equally well served by an amputation with suitable prosthetic appliance.

Claimed conditions
Traumatic arthritis with hyperkeratosis, Hammertoe deformity of the third right toe
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
October 13, 2004
Citation
0428234

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 0428234.

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.

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.