The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 40 percent, and the claim for increased evaluation of his right ankle fusion with traumatic arthritis is granted. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, a back disorder, and a disorder of the knees are also granted as secondary to his right ankle disability.
The deciding factor: The veteran's right ankle disability (fusion) was found to be ankylosed, which resulted in marked limitation of motion warranting a 20 percent evaluation. The combined schedular evaluations for disabilities below the knee do not exceed 40 percent, thus preventing any increase in rating beyond 40 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, back disorder, disorder of the knees
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 19, 2001
- Citation
- 0101511
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 0101511.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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