The Board found no evidence of a right foot disorder other than the fractures to the 3rd and 4th toes, nor any arthritis in the lumbar spine, hips, or knees, that was incurred during active service. The Veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.
The deciding factor: The post-service treatment records do not show any indication of a right foot disorder other than fractures to the 3rd and 4th toes until October 2008, and no arthritis in the lumbar spine, hips, or knees until August 2013. The Veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Right foot disorder (other than fractures to the 3rd and 4th toes of the right foot), Arthritis of the lumbar spine, Arthritis of the hips, Arthritis of the knees
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2013
- Citation
- 1337413
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 1337413.
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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the lumbar spine was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. Continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as her disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's rating schedule.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and left foot on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss was dismissed as untimely. The claim of a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
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