The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoraco-lumbar strain and left ankle strain, finding that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the current schedular disability ratings were appropriate given the appellant's lack of significant functional impairment in either condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic thoraco-lumbar strain with degenerative lumbar disc changes, Chronic left ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 11, 2000
- Citation
- 0021239
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0021239.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address possible evidence of left knee instability.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both arms and legs, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for SMC(k), SMC(l), or any other applicable rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's left ankle disability is characterized by moderate limitation of motion during the appeal period, and he has had a 10 percent rating for the entire appeals period. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected chronic left ankle strain.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle disorders have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.
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