The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's hallux rigidus, finding that his disability more nearly approximates moderately severe nonunion or malunion of the metatarsal bones. A separate 10 percent evaluation is also granted for the post-surgical scar of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows moderate degenerative changes in the left big toe, which more nearly approximates a moderately severe disability under Diagnostic Code 5283. The veteran's post-surgical scar was noted to be painful and tender, warranting a separate 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- Hallux Rigidus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2007
- Citation
- 0736360
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0736360.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 20% disability rating for his left foot condition, effective May 1, 2022. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right ankle arthritis and residuals of a fracture of the right fourth metatarsal, finding that these conditions were aggravated by service. The claim for right ear hearing loss is also granted as it may be related to in-service noise exposure.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, including DJD of the first MTP joint, hallux valgus, and hallux rigidus, are rated as noncompensable throughout the initial evaluation period. The Board denied higher ratings due to lack of severe hallux valgus or hallux valgus requiring surgery.
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