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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthropathy of the right second metatarsal phalangeal joint is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under DC 5283.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's right foot disability is manifested by pain, weakness and stiffness, with limitations of walking up to 50 yards without stopping due to significant pain. The next higher schedular rating (30%) requires severe impairment, which the evidence does not show in this case.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative Arthropathy of the Right Second Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
May 3, 2012
Citation
1215977

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1215977.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

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.

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