The Veteran's calluses and hallux valgus (bunions) are rated at 10% since August 18, 2010. The left foot hallux valgus is rated as 10% from August 18, 2010 to September 21, 2017 and denied for a higher rating after that date. The right foot hallux valgus is also rated at 10%. Bilateral pes planus (flatfoot) are rated at 50% since September 21, 2017 with the possibility of an increased rating in the future. Metatarsalgia and hammer toes of both feet have been granted compensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hallux valgus is rated under DC 5280 as a separate condition from calluses due to its distinct nature, while pes planus is evaluated based on symptoms related to the bilateral flatfoot condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Calluses of the feet, Hallux valgus (bunions) of the left foot, Hallux valgus (bunions) of the right foot, Bilateral pes planus (flatfoot), Metatarsalgia, Hammer toes of the left foot, Hammer toes of the right foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 20, 2021
- Citation
- 21075562
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 21075562.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 claims for hepatitis C, stomach infection and ulcers as secondary to hepatitis C, and service connection for feet disabilities are being remanded due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining relevant medical records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right third toe disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding evidence and further development.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for pes planus, hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, and foot arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot callosities. The Board also granted increased ratings of 30 percent for the callosities on both feet.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent disability evaluation for bilateral plantar fasciitis and remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.