The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle fracture and excision of the base of the left fifth metatarsal, as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran currently experiences moderate impairment in motion and stiffness of the left ankle and foot, but no additional functional loss or flare-ups have been reported. The VA has therefore determined that a higher rating is not warranted under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Fracture, Excision of Base of Left Fifth Metatarsal
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2001
- Citation
- 0104491
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 0104491.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are rated at 20 percent disabling since May 22, 2014, which is the maximum schedular rating for limited motion of the ankle.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 1, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied in part. The left knee strain is rated at 10% for limitation of extension and flexion, while the left ankle disability (prior to April 10, 2017) remains rated at 10%. However, since April 10, 2017, a rating of 30% has been granted for ankylosis of the left ankle.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle fracture disability is granted a 20% rating effective January 13, 2015. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.
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