The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The scar of the left great toe was not rated compensably, while the traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left great toe resulted in a 20 percent rating. Service connection for low back pain secondary to the left great toe condition is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's scars did not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7805, as they were not painful or unstable and did not cover an area of at least 6 square inches. The traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left great toe was rated 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5284.
- Claimed conditions
- scar of the left great toe, traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23021411
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 23021411.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial rating for neuropathic pain and distal nerve damage of the left great toe was granted at 10 percent, but a higher rating of 20 percent is now granted from April 19, 2021 to November 10, 2021. The scar of the left great toe remains rated at 0 percent and the abscess and ingrown toenail status post-surgical correction is rated at 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess his current conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA social and industrial survey to assess the Veteran's employability due to her service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from securing or following gainful employment, as they are rated at 60 percent combined and do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on schedular basis.
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