The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee disability, right foot neuroma with hammertoe deformities, and hallux valgus and hammertoe deformities of the left foot have been granted. However, he is not entitled to higher initial ratings for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's left knee had significant functional impairment due to pain, weakness, and fatigability, warranting a 20 percent rating. The right foot neuroma with hammertoe deformities was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic codes. The hallux valgus and hammertoe deformities of the left foot were rated at 10 percent, as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Disability, Right Foot Neuroma with Hammertoe Deformities, Hallux Valgus and Hammertoe Deformities of the Left Foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2009
- Citation
- 0924741
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 0924741.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities are rated at 10% each, and the Board finds that higher ratings are not warranted based on the evidence of record.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds no evidence of clear and unmistakable error in assigning an effective date of June 19, 2002.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.
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