The Board denied claims for increased evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the right and left ankles, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of ankylosis or other objective pathology supporting additional functional loss.
The deciding factor: The clinical data showed moderate bilateral ankle swelling but no evidence of atrophy or other reliable evidence of more severe functional loss. The examiner suspected a factitious component to the veteran's complaints and noted his uncooperative attitude, muscle guarding with any attempted movement, and nonfocal disproportionate complaints of tenderness.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, degenerative joint disease of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2000
- Citation
- 0000652
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0000652.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher level of SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for any additional levels of SMC based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for generalized seizure disorder, chronic sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and scars, but granted increased ratings of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease in the left and right ankles.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the right ankle was denied.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lower lip numbness, left cranial nerve V (previously claimed as lower lip numbness (nerve damage)) is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
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.