Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's son seeks benefits under Chapter 18 of Title 38 for a birth defect, but the condition is not considered to be a form or manifestation of spina bifida. The mother did not serve in Vietnam and therefore does not qualify for benefits.

The deciding factor: The appellant's partial syndactyly involving the 2nd and 3rd toes of both feet is not a form or manifestation of spina bifida, as defined by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1802.

Claimed conditions
partial syndactyly of the 2nd and 3rd digits of both feet
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
November 16, 2012
Citation
1239248

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 1239248.

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

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.