The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the left and right feet, as well as her left femoral disability, were denied. The current rating of 10% is maintained.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s conditions warranted a higher rating based on the criteria under Diagnostic Codes 5284 (for traumatic arthritis) or 5260/5261 (for femoral disability).
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the left foot, Traumatic arthritis of the right foot, Left femoral condyle, Stress fracture, left medial tibial plateau, Tibial stress changes with chondromalacia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18114891
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 18114891.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for traumatic arthritis of the left foot and TDIU prior to December 29, 2014 are remanded due to a lack of proper notification for scheduled VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left foot prior to June 27, 2023 and for a retrospective opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left foot is remanded due to inadequate statement of reasons or bases. A new VA examination is also needed as the last one was conducted over five years ago.
- Granted
The Veteran's left foot disability, which includes traumatic arthritis and gout, has been productive of pain and some limitation of motion during flare-ups. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.
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.