The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis and hallux valgus of the right and left feet were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show the required degree of disability to warrant a higher rating, as per the specific criteria outlined in the VA Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis, hallux valgus (bunions) of the right foot, hallux valgus (bunions) of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19105944
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 Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis, finding that there was no credible evidence to support a link between the condition and his military service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis from July 31, 2012, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for accrued benefits purposes.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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