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 assigned

None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21068302.