The Veteran's service-connected left foot disabilities, including hallux rigidus and metatarsalgia with traumatic arthritis of the left great toe, are manifested by severe symptoms equivalent to amputation. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's hallux rigidus and metatarsalgia with traumatic arthritis of the left great toe resulted in function equivalent to amputation, which does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5280.
- Claimed conditions
- Hallux Rigidus, Left Metatarsalgia with Traumatic Arthritis of the Left Great Toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 16, 2022
- Citation
- 22009179
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 22009179.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 20% disability rating for his left foot condition, effective May 1, 2022. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right ankle arthritis and residuals of a fracture of the right fourth metatarsal, finding that these conditions were aggravated by service. The claim for right ear hearing loss is also granted as it may be related to in-service noise exposure.
- Denied
The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, including DJD of the first MTP joint, hallux valgus, and hallux rigidus, are rated as noncompensable throughout the initial evaluation period. The Board denied higher ratings due to lack of severe hallux valgus or hallux valgus requiring surgery.
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