The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left toe arthritis was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a more severe disability. His pension claim was also denied due to the presence of other nonservice-connected disabilities that prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint did not manifest symptoms or functional limitations that would warrant a higher rating under VA disability evaluation criteria. His nonservice-connected conditions, including depression, hemorrhoids, fungal infection, pes planus, and hammertoes of the right foot, prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint, nonspecified depressive disorder, hallux valgus of the right foot, hemorrhoids, a fungal infection of the left foot, pes planus, hammertoes of the right foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1029557
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 1029557.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus condition was aggravated by service. The effective date is August 15, 2025.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches was granted with an effective date of August 28, 2014.,Service connection for eczema was granted with an effective date of August 10, 2022. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but the request was denied.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right ankle disorder.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection for gastroenteritis, lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle lateral collateral ligament strain, right knee strain and hemorrhoids. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of a lumbosacral strain. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of a left ankle lateral collateral ligament strain. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of right knee strain. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.,The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of hemorrhoids. The earliest effective date is December 5, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, as evidenced by his inability to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, and manage his daily medications. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC(l).
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