The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014. The right foot hammer toe has not affected all toes.,The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014.,The Veteran's right foot hammer toe is not compensable as it does not affect all toes.
The deciding factor: The left foot scar did not result in a painful or unstable condition prior to December 19, 2019 and was only noted to be painful thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014 as it affects both feet.,The left foot scar did not result in a painful or unstable condition prior to December 19, 2019 and was only noted to be painful thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014 as it affects both feet.,The right foot hammer toe does not affect all toes of the right foot.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot scar, right foot strain with metatarsalgia (Morton's disease), right foot hammer toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034711
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 20034711.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for right foot hammer toe, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus has been remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board will seek medical opinions on these claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left foot scar and related conditions are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. An additional VA examination is needed to assess the severity and manifestations of his service-connected residual scar from left foot fibromatosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a TDIU and an increased evaluation for left Achilles tendonitis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her unable to work during certain periods, but further review is needed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.