The Veteran's claim for service connection for heel spurs has been reopened, and he is now granted service connection for hammertoes, chronic pain of the toes and foot scarring. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a foot disability other than hammertoes, chronic pain of the toes and foot scarring remains pending and requires further development.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners' negative medical nexus opinions were based on an absence of documented diagnoses or lack of evidence connecting the Veteran's undersized boots to any permanent foot condition. A new examination is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s foot disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- heel spurs, hammertoes, chronic pain of the toes, foot scarring
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20003255
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 remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot hallux valgus, pes planus, hammertoes, and degenerative arthritis, with an effective date of February 19, 2019. The Board also granted an increased (40 percent) rating for residuals, rupture, right biceps tendon with elbow limitation of supination and extension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis since April 22, 2021, but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings prior to that date.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral feet arthritis and cold injury residuals of both feet, but denied service connection for hammertoes.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.