The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joints are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle spasms in the left lower leg and arthritis cramps in the left lower leg are remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for the Veteran’s hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joints, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code.,Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran has muscle spasms and arthritis cramps in the left lower leg that are at least as likely as not related to active service. The examiner should also assess whether any such disorder underwent an incremental increase in disability due to his service-connected hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joints.
- Claimed conditions
- Right hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, Left hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, Muscle spasms in the left lower leg, Arthritis cramps in the left lower leg
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20050920
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 20050920.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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).
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