The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis is denied as the current rating of 20 percent is the maximum allowed under the applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available based on limitation of motion of the ankle. There is no basis to grant a higher rating due to ankylosis or other factors that could warrant additional functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2000
- Citation
- 0031179
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 0031179.
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 claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis and marked limitation of motion has been denied by the Board. The evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left ankle disability, and that further development may be necessary for the TDIU claim. The case is being remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and requests for additional evidence, including treatment records.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis since October 30, 2010. The appeal is dismissed as there was no evidence to support reopening or changing the rating assigned.
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