The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral foot disorder, including degenerative joint disease, is related to his service and has granted service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran had exposure to cold weather during service and developed residuals of a cold injury, which led to current symptoms such as pain, numbness, hair loss, and cold sensitivity in both feet. The Board also noted conflicting opinions regarding whether his degenerative joint disease is related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of cold injury to both feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 25, 2007
- Citation
- 0730145
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 0730145.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and an examination to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both feet and right hand is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a VA examination, and further development.
- Granted
The Board has determined that service connection for the residuals of a cold injury to both feet is granted, resolving doubt in favor of the appellant. The claimant's exposure to cold water while serving as a sailor swimmer on active duty was consistent with his current diagnosis.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both feet was granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of his application, which predates the denial in October 1998.
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.