The Veteran's initial disability rating for right navicular fracture status post repair, diagnosed as pes cavus and hammer toes, is denied prior to July 14, 2016. From July 14, 2016, an increased disability rating of 20 percent but no higher for the Veteran's right heel disability (pes planus) is granted. An initial disability rating of 10 percent for metatarsalgia is also granted from July 14, 2016.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Codes 5278 and 5282 due to lack of hammer toe in all toes or marked varus deformity. The Veteran's pes cavus was rated at 20 percent as per Diagnostic Code 5278, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Navicular Fracture Status Post Repair, Metatarsalgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22035704
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 22035704.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
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