The Veteran's claims for service connection for hammertoe of the left little toe, plantar fasciitis, keratosis and multiple calluses of the great toes and left fifth metatarsal, and a low back disability have been dismissed. The reduction of the rating for TMJ from 10% to 0% has been restored as of August 13, 2014. A single 70% rating for PTSD since the date of filing has been granted. A single 60% rating for a right arm disability throughout the period on appeal has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his claims for hammertoe of the left little toe, plantar fasciitis, keratosis and multiple calluses of the great toes and left fifth metatarsal, and a low back disability during his hearing. The reduction in rating for TMJ was improper as it did not demonstrate sustained material improvement over time.
- Claimed conditions
- Hammertoe of the left little toe, Plantar fasciitis, Keratosis and multiple calluses of the great toes and left fifth metatarsal, Low back disability, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Right arm disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18151112
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 18151112.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hip disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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.