Hello,
I recently filed a claim (2017) for Hallux Valgus (bunion) and was granted the 10% service connection that this condition warrants, because I had it surgically removed (status post left Bunionectomy, retained) while on Active duty (1997).
I ETS’d from from the Army in 1998. The treatment records of the condition/surgery is noted in my military records. Although many details of my ETS physical are fuzzy after all these years, I do recall discussing the surgery, the bunion etc with the physician who did my exam.
Note that I filed the 2017 claim only after another veteran told me that I was entitled to an award for this....so I filed the claim and it was granted.
My question is, that I thought that I was entitled to this years ago when I ETS’d in 1998. However, it seems nothing came of my mention of this at the exam....and as I said before the details of the exam are fuzzy....but I seem to recall being told that it was not awardable.....so was there a mistake somewhere? Was there something I needed to do at that time? I assumed the exam was to note any potential service connected issues. Did I drop the ball, or the examiner? How can I figure this out?
If I was entitled to an award in 2017, why was I not entitled in 1998?
I hope that I’ve clearly articulated the issue/concern.
thank you