The Veteran's gout with hallux valgus was rated at 20 percent prior to March 22, 2016 and denied for a higher rating thereafter.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran experienced one or two exacerbations per year in a well-established diagnosis of gout with hallux valgus, which did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 5017-5280 prior to March 22, 2016. From March 22, 2016 onwards, the Veteran's condition was rated at 20 percent based on limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- gout with hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2026
- Citation
- 26002272
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 26002272.
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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