The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent was appropriate for his left foot hallux rigidus, but remanded other issues including service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis with rotator cuff tear, loss of teeth, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed by the current schedular criteria for residuals of left foot hallux rigidus.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot hallux rigidus, right shoulder osteoarthritis with rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 24, 2021
- Citation
- 21031841
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 21031841.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left foot hallux rigidus was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating due to moderate symptoms and no actual loss of use.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (anxiety, depression, insomnia) is remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to determine its etiology.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim of service connection for left foot hallux rigidus due to non-compliance with claims processing regulations regarding the timeliness of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD).
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left great toe hallux valgus as there was no legal basis to consider these issues.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus, and osteoarthritis as secondary to a service-connected bunionectomy. The conditions are all found to have onset during active service.
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