The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, characterized by degenerative changes and some localized swelling and tenderness but no more than slight limitation of motion, does not warrant an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any more than a moderate limitation of motion of the right ankle joint, which is already rated as 10 percent under DC 5271. The veteran's complaints were considered and found to be consistent with his current disability level.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes, Scarring
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 1, 2000
- Citation
- 0031461
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 0031461.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 2, 2016.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back disability, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, limitation of pronation and flexion of the right elbow, and scarring, but granted a 40 percent rating from March 26, 2024 to September 17, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral knee instability is rated at 30 percent, effective May 21, 2014. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative changes of both knees are restored to their previous levels, effective June 1, 2008.
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