The veteran's postoperative third toe osteotomy and fifth hammer toe of left foot has for the entire period of initial rating claim manifested constant pain located at the left plantar heel, third toe (at metacarpophalangeal joint and tip), and fifth toe (at tip). The veteran's hyperkeratosis of bilateral feet has for the entire period of initial rating claim manifested multiple calluses on the plantar feet and toes, and has required no more than topical therapy during the past 12-month period.
The deciding factor: The veteran's foot conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative third toe osteotomy and fifth hammer toe of left foot, Hyperkeratosis of bilateral feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2009
- Citation
- 0902617
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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