The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus deformity with hallux valgus and bunion formation was manifested by pain, hammer toes of toes two through five, mild calluses, moderate pes cavus, metatarsalgia, and shortened plantar fascia prior to February 12, 2013. On and after February 12, 2013, the Veteran's bilateral pes cavus deformity with hallux valgus and bunion formation was manifested by marked contraction of the plantar fascia, dropped forefoot, hammer toes of toes two through five, and very painful callosities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show marked contraction of the plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, or marked varus deformity as required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5278.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes cavus deformity, Hallux valgus, Bunion formation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1449164
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 1449164.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee disability was not rated higher than 10 percent, the right knee scar did not meet criteria for a compensable rating, and there was no evidence of left forearm or right forearm disorders. Service connection was denied for right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and right foot disorders (flat foot, hallux valgus, hammer toe). Tinnitus was presumed to have been incurred in service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an adequate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot disability, including consideration of bilateral pes planus.
- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right third toe disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding evidence and further development.
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