The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left foot is remanded due to inadequate statement of reasons or bases. A new VA examination is also needed as the last one was conducted over five years ago.
The deciding factor: The Board failed to articulate a standard for comparing and assessing the terms of degree used in Diagnostic Code 5284, rendering it unclear how the Veteran's foot disability was determined to be moderate rather than moderately severe.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23055433
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 23055433.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for traumatic arthritis of the left foot and TDIU prior to December 29, 2014 are remanded due to a lack of proper notification for scheduled VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left foot prior to June 27, 2023 and for a retrospective opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's left foot disability, which includes traumatic arthritis and gout, has been productive of pain and some limitation of motion during flare-ups. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for traumatic arthritis of the left foot prior to March 26, 2009, and to a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new VA examination.
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.