The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus post-bunionectomy with a scar since March 30, 2017, is denied as her symptoms are already covered by the existing diagnostic codes and she does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating for her scar.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of pain, swelling, difficulty walking, decreased range of motion, outward-turning of the foot, and arthritis are all contemplated by the existing diagnostic codes in the Rating Schedule. The left hallux valgus post-bunionectomy scar does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating as it is not painful or unstable.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot hallux valgus post-bunionectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19131175
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 19131175.
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
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