The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left toe bunion was denied by the Board. The current rating of 10 percent is appropriate as it considers severe symptoms including tenderness to palpation, swelling, callouses on the plantar aspect of the left great toe and pain on weight-bearing.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left toe bunion condition is rated under Diagnostic Code 5280 which specifically contemplates bunions and associated severe symptomatology. The current rating adequately reflects these symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- bunion of the left first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, left foot pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21069446
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 21069446.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, as secondary to tinnitus, is granted. The claims for service connection for hearing loss disability and a disability manifested by shortness of breath other than chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied. The claims for service connection for an intestinal disability (diverticulitis), fatigue, hypertension, neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, upper and lower back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right hip disability, left hip disability, right foot pain, left foot pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for issues of service connection for left foot pain, skin condition, fibromyalgia, GERD, left knee strain, right knee strain, bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, right ankle condition, and right shoulder condition due to untimely filing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's service in the Army Reserve. The AOJ is required to obtain complete service personnel and treatment records, including those from the relevant period of service in the Reserves.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed as untimely. The Board found that the Veteran did not provide a timely appeal request, despite having received notification of the rating decisions.
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