The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot metatarsalgia is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of a chronic bilateral foot condition in service and concluded that the current diagnosis was less likely caused by or related to the Veteran's military service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral foot metatarsalgia, bilateral foot nerve damage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20023216
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20023216.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot metatarsalgia, hallux rigidus, and osteoarthritis based on the evidence showing current diagnoses and a nexus to in-service symptoms.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot metatarsalgia based on a continuity of symptoms since active duty.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral foot metatarsalgia, bilateral hammertoes, and bilateral foot arthritis was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection were denied as the Veteran's claims were not received within a year of his separation from active duty.
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