The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for left foot post traumatic 3rd phalanx hammertoe s/p arthroplasty and scar, left 3rd toe ventral surface were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his single hammertoe condition or the small size of his scar.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's single hammertoe condition does not meet the criteria for a higher, 10 percent rating as it impacts only one toe. The scar is too small to warrant any compensable ratings under applicable VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot post traumatic 3rd phalanx hammertoe s/p arthroplasty, scar, left 3rd toe ventral surface
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 8, 2023
- Citation
- A23035143
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 A23035143.
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).
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