The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected right foot disability, hallux limitus status post cheilectomy with scar, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination was from January 2012 and no current VA or private treatment records are available. The Veteran reports loss of motion at the right first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) with significant pain with ambulation, but there is no evidence of such in the January 2012 examination.
- Claimed conditions
- hallux limitus, scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21009543
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 21009543.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a scar, residual of a cyst removed from the groin area is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability is denied. A 20 percent disability rating, but no higher, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied. A 10 percent disability rating, but no higher, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for otitis media of the right ear is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating for chest wall muscle spasm, claimed as costochondritis, is granted with a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability remains pending.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant myeloma and scar secondary to his service-connected malignant melanoma were denied. However, the Veteran was granted service connection for his service-connected malignant melanoma.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hallux limitus, left foot post cheilectomy first metatarsophalangeal joint claimed as left foot, big toe degenerative arthritis and left foot, big toe disability. The evidence shows the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by his military 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.