The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of any bilateral foot condition, including hammer toes. The Veteran's statements about in-service foot pain are considered.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for an opinion regarding the relationship between current foot conditions and service, specifically in-service treatment for ingrown toenails and heel pain.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hammer toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20056299
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 20056299.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience, granting entitlement to TDIU.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion, requiring further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a mid/lower back disability, bilateral hammer toes, bilateral plantar fasciitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and residuals of COVID-19 to obtain additional evidence.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral flat feet, bilateral hallux valgus, bilateral hallux rigidus, and bilateral hammer toes based on the evidence showing an increase in severity during active service.
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.