The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, finding that his condition did not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's symptoms and findings were consistent with moderate disability but did not meet criteria for more severe ratings due to lack of ankylosis or malunion of the tibia and fibula, which would more closely resemble marked ankle disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of old fracture of right fibula, right ankle disability manifested by limitation of motion and arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2002
- Citation
- 0213917
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 0213917.
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.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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