{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/hallux-valgus-bunion-acquired","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:34:20.451Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Hallux valgus (bunion) acquired","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":2876,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":17.8,"denied_pct":32.2,"remanded_pct":48.3,"granted_on_merits_pct":35.6,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":229,"granted_pct":15.7,"denied_pct":26.6,"remanded_pct":54.1},{"year":2018,"issues":405,"granted_pct":11.4,"denied_pct":32.8,"remanded_pct":50.1},{"year":2019,"issues":409,"granted_pct":11.5,"denied_pct":34.5,"remanded_pct":51.8},{"year":2020,"issues":465,"granted_pct":17.8,"denied_pct":34,"remanded_pct":45.8},{"year":2021,"issues":424,"granted_pct":15.1,"denied_pct":33.5,"remanded_pct":49.1},{"year":2022,"issues":382,"granted_pct":15.2,"denied_pct":28.5,"remanded_pct":53.9},{"year":2023,"issues":439,"granted_pct":18.7,"denied_pct":21.9,"remanded_pct":55.1},{"year":2024,"issues":490,"granted_pct":21.4,"denied_pct":35.3,"remanded_pct":40},{"year":2025,"issues":439,"granted_pct":21.2,"denied_pct":34.9,"remanded_pct":40.8},{"year":2026,"issues":167,"granted_pct":26.3,"denied_pct":38.9,"remanded_pct":32.9}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":66.1,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":359,"granted_pct_with":59.9,"granted_pct_without":30},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":2077,"granted_pct_with":34.4,"granted_pct_without":40.5},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":421,"granted_pct_with":66.9,"granted_pct_without":27.4},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":1444,"granted_pct_with":34.8,"granted_pct_without":36.5},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":754,"granted_pct_with":42.3,"granted_pct_without":32.6},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":133,"granted_pct_with":61.9,"granted_pct_without":33.9},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":2305,"granted_pct_with":35.7,"granted_pct_without":34.6},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":79,"granted_pct_with":58.1,"granted_pct_without":34.9},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":119,"granted_pct_with":43.5,"granted_pct_without":35.2}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":61},{"reason":"caused by the service-connected disability","decisions":20},{"reason":"service connection established","decisions":15},{"reason":"criteria for service connection met","decisions":12},{"reason":"continuity of symptomatology since service","decisions":11},{"reason":"already at the maximum schedular rating","decisions":11}],"denied":[{"reason":"already at the maximum schedular rating","decisions":127},{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":77},{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":72},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":61},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":41},{"reason":"no current diagnosis","decisions":39}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26038086","year":2026,"judge":"DAVID L. WIGHT","rationale":"Current disability diagnosed as hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis; In-service injury indicated by December 1985 report and Veteran's statements; Benefit of the doubt applied due to approximate balance of evidence"},{"case_id":"A26037477","year":2026,"judge":"MICHAEL A. HERMAN","rationale":"Favorable June 2021 VA opinion found secondary relationship; Veteran's gait adaptations due to hip pain; Supported by treatment records and Veteran's testimony"},{"case_id":"A26037785","year":2026,"judge":"THOMAS L. ENGLISH","rationale":"Current diagnoses of left great toe matrixectomy and left medial foot scar confirmed by VA exam.; In-service event related to toenail removal exacerbated by service conditions.; Nexus supported by credible lay testimony and STRs."}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26041018","year":2026,"judge":"D. JOHNSON","rationale":"No foot complaints or treatment in service records.; Examinations reported normal feet; veteran denied foot issues.; Veteran's lay testimony found not credible due to inconsistency."},{"case_id":"A26039680","year":2026,"judge":"WILLIAM H. DONNELLY","rationale":"No competent evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.; Veteran's testimony regarding onset since service found not credible.; April 2013 medical examination found no foot abnormalities."},{"case_id":"A26036089","year":2026,"judge":"CORY M. PICTON","rationale":"Veteran has not had surgery for hallux valgus; Symptoms do not meet criteria for severe hallux valgus equivalent to amputation; Foot pain compensated under DC 5284, preventing pyramiding"}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}