The Veteran's HCV, bilateral hallux valgus, and LUE cubital tunnel syndrome were all granted service connection. However, the Veteran was denied higher initial evaluations for his HCV (currently rated 10%), right foot hallux valgus (rated 0%), left foot hallux valgus (rated 0%), and LUE cubital tunnel syndrome (rated 10%).
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions warranted higher ratings based on their severity or impact on his daily life.
- Claimed conditions
- Hepatitis C (HCV), Bilateral Hallux Valgus, Left Upper Extremity Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1600592
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 1600592.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 31, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for hepatitis C, and thus remands the case for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left foot toes, right foot toes, left knee condition, right knee condition, and back condition due to potential errors in decision-making process.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for HCV, including in-service risk factors and non-service risk factors. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further development.
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.