The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of both ankles, residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, and residuals of a left thigh laceration. The conditions were found to be rated appropriately under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support the need for higher ratings based on the current manifestations of the service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the right ankle, Traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, Residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, Residuals of a left thigh laceration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2003
- Citation
- 0320139
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 0320139.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle arthritis and any right calf disability. The cases will be reviewed again with a focus on assessing the current severity of these conditions and determining if they are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The case is being remanded for additional development to address the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's right knee and right ankle traumatic arthritis, including any additional functional impairment during flare-ups and after repeated use over time. The examiner will also determine if these disabilities played a role in the Veteran's fall risk problems.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was rated at 10 percent disabling, and the Board found that this rating adequately reflected his symptoms.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for traumatic arthritis of the left ankle prior to July 5, 2018, and an increased rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.
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