The Veteran's service connection claim for left foot hammer toe condition is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s left foot hammer toes were caused by inadequate footwear during his military service.
The deciding factor: The medical opinion supports the conclusion that the Veteran's left foot hammer toes are related to wearing boots that were too small during service, resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot hammer toe, left foot amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20063102
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 20063102.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 withdrew all appeals regarding his service-connected conditions and related disability ratings, effective as of March 16, 2026.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot hammer toe and bilateral knees are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as their relationship to his military service.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating claims related to various knee and foot disabilities, including scar from a bunionectomy. The Board dismissed the appeal.
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