The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right hallux valgus and bilateral tinea pedis, finding that his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities were found to be non-compensably disabling based on the lack of severe impairment in either condition, as well as the absence of objective evidence supporting arthritis and systemic therapy requirements necessary for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Hallux Valgus (Bunion), Bilateral Tinea Pedis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19180586
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 tinnitus and reopened the claims of service connection for low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral heel spurs, bilateral tinea pedis, chronic sinus disorder, OSA, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is remanded for further development.
- Granted
Service connection for multiple sclerosis is granted. The claim of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for bilateral tinea pedis is remanded.
- Denied
The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right foot disorder, left foot disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation likely secondary to folliculitis, and hypertension were denied. The veteran was not granted any of the benefits sought.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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