The Veteran's right foot gunshot wound residuals with metatarsalgia are currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted for any period.
The deciding factor: The symptoms of pain in the right third metatarsal area due to metatarsalgia were already compensated under the current rating assigned for gunshot wound residuals with metatarsalgia (DC 5284), thus assigning a separate rating for metatarsalgia would constitute pyramiding and violate the prohibition against double compensation.
- Claimed conditions
- right foot gunshot wound residuals, metatarsalgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 20, 2023
- Citation
- A23029117
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 A23029117.
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: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for metatarsalgia, tailor's bunion, intractable plantar keratosis, callus, and osteoarthritis of the left foot great toe. The decision is based on evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating and an earlier effective date have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the preexistence and aggravation of foot disabilities during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired pes cavus with metatarsalgia, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right foot condition.
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.