The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right foot disabilities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any additional limitation of motion or other symptoms warranting a higher rating, and the conditions are considered to be due to natural progression rather than service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot arthritis with hammertoe of the second toe, right foot arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2018
- Citation
- 18152421
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 18152421.
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 Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and dismissed all other appeals related to various joint conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot disability, including arthritis, osteoporosis, foot drop, neuropathy, difficult gait, and tinea pedis, was incurred during service and continues to this day.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral foot, hand, and hip conditions are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain new medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by the Veteran's inability to take NSAIDs due to his service-connected kidney removal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is remanded due to the need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current conditions and service.
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