The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral great toes was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints or two or more minor joint groups with occasional incapacitating exacerbations, as required for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5003.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment were already compensated under the separate diagnostic codes for bilateral pes planus (Diagnostic Code 5276) and non-service-connected heel spurs. The Board found that compensating the great toe pain again would constitute pyramiding of compensation based on overlapping foot symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of Bilateral Great Toes, Bilateral Pes Planus (severely deformed)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20046417
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 20046417.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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