The Veteran's foot disability, including hammer toes and bilateral hallux valgus, is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for an opinion on its relationship to his service-connected bilateral pes planus.
The deciding factor: An opinion is needed regarding whether any diagnosed foot disability (including hammertoes and hallux valgus) was caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- hammer toes, bilateral hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20066363
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hallux valgus and left 2nd hammertoe, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for pes planus with hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, and hammer toes as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for higher ratings and special monthly compensation was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision was made.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for hypertension and tinnitus, but denied service connection for a left wrist condition, chronic fatigue syndrome, dry mouth, and a skin condition. Several claims were remanded for further development.
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.