The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for metatarsalgia of the first MTP joint of the left foot and granted a compensable rating (10%) for left foot hallux valgus, finding that the Veteran's hallux valgus more nearly approximated a severe disability equivalent to amputation of the great toe.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s hallux valgus resulted in functional impairment consistent with a severe disability of hallux valgus that is equivalent to amputation of the great toe, warranting a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 5280.
- Claimed conditions
- metatarsalgia of the first MTP joint of the left foot, left foot hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20024904
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 20024904.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the merits as they have no jurisdiction.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all appeals regarding his service-connected conditions and related disability ratings, effective as of March 16, 2026.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations. The TDIU claim was granted due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran is seeking treatment for his left foot hallux valgus, pes planus, right fifth finger traumatic injury with arthritis, but the VA examinations did not consider all relevant evidence.
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