The Board denied service connection for a left foot bunion and a compensable rating for a right big toe scar, while remanding several other issues including entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for right foot bunion deformity, ovarian cyst, persistent depressive disorder dysthymia (also claimed as generalized anxiety disorder), cervical strain, and superficial numbness, right distal outer ear.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's left foot bunion or right big toe scar were related to her service. The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service injury or event that may be etiologically related to these disabilities and determined that a VA medical opinion was not necessary.
- Claimed conditions
- bunion of the left foot, right big toe scar, right foot bunion deformity, ovarian cyst, persistent depressive disorder dysthymia (also claimed as generalized anxiety disorder), cervical strain, superficial numbness, right distal outer ear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 13, 2025
- Citation
- A25042740
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, but remanded claims for service connection for sinusitis, calcified lymph nodes on the lungs, and cervical strain.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for cervical strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for an earlier effective date for a left shoulder disability was dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left hip condition, right hip condition, cervical strain, and back condition due to an incomplete duty to assist error in failing to afford the Veteran VA examinations.
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