The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent from September 29, 2015 for metatarsalgia of the left foot is remanded due to potential application of other rating criteria and consideration of extraschedular considerations.
The deciding factor: The current evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5279 does not adequately describe the severity and symptoms of the Veteran's disability. The case presents an exceptional or unusual disability picture with marked interference with employment and daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- metatarsalgia, degenerative changes of the first left foot metarsophalangeal joint, bone spurs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21065305
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 21065305.
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 Board has denied service connection for arthritis and bone spurs as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating and an earlier effective date have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for metatarsalgia, tailor's bunion, intractable plantar keratosis, callus, and osteoarthritis of the left foot great toe. The decision is based on evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the preexistence and aggravation of foot disabilities during service.
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