The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot sesamoiditis, status post bunionectomy, is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of 'moderately severe' or 'severe' foot injury.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and treatment records did not show that the Veteran had actively sought treatment for his left foot sesamoiditis/pain caused by the 1996 bunionectomy, thus the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot sesamoiditis, bunionectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21002967
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21002967.
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 remanded the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board could not determine if the veteran's conditions impaired his ability to work.
- Granted
The Veteran's left foot sesamoiditis and hallux valgus are now rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The TDIU claim is still pending.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, left foot sesamoiditis, and bilateral metatarsalgia. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible assertions of in-service foot pain and a private medical opinion linking these conditions to her active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.
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