The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for right and left foot hallux valgus are denied, as the conditions do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for retention of metal surgical equipment in the right lower extremity is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's hallux valgus conditions are severe enough to warrant a compensable rating, and there was no unforeseen event or VA negligence causing the additional disability claimed under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Claimed conditions
- Right foot hallux valgus, Left foot hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18144932
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 18144932.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period from May 25, 2016 to January 18, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for right foot hallux valgus from January 9, 2024, and denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for pes planus from July 27, 2023. A 20 percent rating was assigned prior to April 26, 2019, for the Veteran's right compartment syndrome with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right foot drop, and right shin splint.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS and bilateral foot conditions, prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment from August 31, 2010, to January 30, 2011.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation.
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