The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and an earlier effective date was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish more than one or two painful or unstable scars, nor did it show effects beyond those already provided by the current 10 percent rating for residual right foot surgical scar under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Veteran's hallux valgus and hallux rigidus were rated as severe under Diagnostic Code 5280.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Foot Hallux Valgus, Right Foot Hallux Rigidus, Right Foot Pes Planus, Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Great Toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24037050
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 A24037050.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot pes planus was restored to a 10 percent rating effective July 1, 2020. The evidence did not show actual improvement in the disability under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right foot disability was aggravated by his service, and thus grants service connection for a right foot disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right foot pes planus (flatfoot) has been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate severe bilateral flatfeet.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for ED was denied as there is no current disability.,Right carpal tunnel syndrome was denied due to insufficient evidence linking it to the TERA exposure.,Left carpal tunnel syndrome was denied as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,Right ankle sprain and left foot pes planus were both denied because there is no current disability.,Right foot pes planus was denied due to lack of evidence.,Non-diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity was denied as it is currently diagnosed as right carpal tunnel syndrome.
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.