The Veteran's right and left foot injuries with arthritis are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that they do not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of more severe impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations have consistently found moderate symptoms for both feet, which corresponds to the current 10% disability ratings under DC 5284.
- Claimed conditions
- Hallux rigidus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20079990
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right third toe disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding evidence and further development.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for their right foot disability as of May 28, 2024, but the claim for an increased rating prior to that date was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability aggravated his left foot disabilities, and to determine if any of these conditions are related to service or secondary to the right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and additional evidence is needed before a decision can be made on service connection for left foot disabilities.
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