The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for service-connected hallux valgus of both great toes, finding that the current severity of his bilateral hallux valgus more nearly approximates a noncompensable rating due to functional loss and pyramiding issues with another service-connected condition (bilateral pes planus).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus is rated according to Diagnostic Code 5280, which provides ratings for unliteral hallux valgus. The Board found that the current severity of his bilateral hallux valgus does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to functional loss and pyramiding issues with another service-connected condition (bilateral pes planus).
- Claimed conditions
- hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23049221
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 23049221.
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 denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hallux valgus, finding no competent and credible evidence linking her current condition to active service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left foot metatarsalgia is granted as secondary to his service-connected left foot Lisfranc fracture and other disabilities. The Veteran's TDIU benefits from December 1, 2023 are denied due to his employment as a government tax collector.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new one with a proper evaluation of the Veteran's foot disabilities.
- 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.
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