The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left hallux valgus status/post bunionectomy with degenerative joint disease was denied. The highest available rating of 10% has been assigned since the original date of service connection, July 12, 2000.
The deciding factor: The disability is rated under DC 5280 for unilateral hallux valgus and a 10% rating is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's symptoms have not changed significantly over time, and there are no findings of other conditions that would warrant recharacterizing the disability.
- Claimed conditions
- left hallux valgus, degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21025985
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 21025985.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral pes planus, left hallux valgus, and right hallux valgus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left hallux valgus, status post lapidus skin bunionectomy with internal fixation of metatarsophalangeal joint is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings of her left shoulder strain and cervical spine disability due to new evidence or further clarification from the AOJ.
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