The Board found that the veteran's left ankle was not fused at 90 degrees prior to June 1, 1997. As of June 1, 1997, the veteran's left ankle is fixed at 90 degrees and warrants a 30 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's left ankle was not fused at 90 degrees prior to June 1, 1997, but became so after that date, warranting a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5270 for fixed ankle fusion.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle fracture, traumatic arthritis, postoperative residuals of left ankle arthroplasty with removal of osseous fragments times two and ankle fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 11, 2004
- Citation
- 0406388
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 0406388.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal of whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a claim of service connection for a left ankle fracture is dismissed. The Board will consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a brain tumor and heart disease related to in-service exposure to commercial herbicides, PCBs, and asbestos.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, with some issues being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for left ankle fracture to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety, and the claims for service connection and higher ratings were dismissed.
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