The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hallux rigidus and fracture of both big toes, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service entrance and was not aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hallux rigidus likely started before service and was not aggravated during service beyond its natural progression.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hallux rigidus, fracture of both big toes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23014383
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 23014383.
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: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, a neurobehavioral disorder, bilateral pes planus, bilateral hallux rigidus, and the right and left knee disabilities. The evidence does not show any in-service injuries or diseases related to these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral flat feet, bilateral hallux valgus, bilateral hallux rigidus, and bilateral hammer toes based on the evidence showing an increase in severity during active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hallux rigidus and gout, to include as secondary to hypertension, due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hallux rigidus and assigned a 60 percent rating from September 9, 2019, for residuals of prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction. It also granted ratings in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the anterior crural nerve.
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.