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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee has not manifested in flexion limited to 45 degrees or extension limited to 10 degrees, even considering functional impairment due to factors such as pain. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran's left foot hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, and hammer toes status post bunionectomy with screw fixation have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's left foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for left foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and hammer toes have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's right foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for right foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The reconstruction of the left ankle manifests in moderate, but not marked, limitation of motion, and it does not manifest in limitation of dorsiflexion to 5 degrees or less or plantar flexion to 10 degrees plantar flexion or less. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran does not have a current right ear disability for VA purposes.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied.,A heart disability was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for a heart disability, claimed as residuals of a heart attack, is denied.,Hypertension was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for hypertension is denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were evaluated based on their specific diagnostic codes and the criteria set forth by VA regulations.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Knee, Left Foot Hallux Rigidus, Hallux Valgus, and Hammer Toes Post-Bunionectomy with Screw Fixation, Right Foot Hallux Valgus, Hallux Rigidus, and Hammer Toes, Reconstruction of the Left Ankle
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
November 9, 2021
Citation
21068302

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 21068302.

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).

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