The Veteran's claim for initial compensable ratings for left and right hallux valgus with a history of hallux rigidus is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and consideration of pes planus.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has indicated that his bilateral foot disability has worsened since the last examination, and he also asserts service connection for pes planus. The Board finds it necessary to obtain updated medical records and conduct another VA examination to assess the current severity of his hallux valgus and consider any pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- left hallux valgus, right hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19184733
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19184733.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral pes planus, left hallux valgus, and right hallux valgus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left hallux valgus, status post lapidus skin bunionectomy with internal fixation of metatarsophalangeal joint is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hallux valgus, tinea pedis, vertigo and dizziness, bilateral pes planus, and left hallux valgus have been granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left hammer toe and left hallux valgus, but the issues of service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), muscle pain, and joint pain are remanded.
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