The Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent for DJD of the left ankle, a 10 percent evaluation for chronic maxillary sinusitis, and denied compensable ratings for hemorrhoids.
The deciding factor: The veteran's residuals from his inservice fracture of the left ankle include giving away, aching, weakness, stiffness in the morning, limitation of plantar flexion due to pain, and extensive post-traumatic degenerative changes. His maxillary sinusitis is manifested by trouble breathing, constant drainage, frequent headaches, and need for medication. Hemorrhoids are characterized by itching and burning all the time with the use of Preparation H for relief.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the left ankle, Chronic maxillary sinusitis, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2005
- Citation
- 0500220
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 0500220.
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 remands the issues of increased rating for back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, left heel, and hemorrhoids, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 1, 2025, for additional development.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. However, the Veteran was granted a 50% rating prior to June 12, 2024, and a 100% rating from that date forward for his acquired psychiatric disability.
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