The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle and left knee disabilities, finding that the current evaluations of 20 percent are appropriate.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's residuals of chronic left ankle sprain do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to marked limitation of motion without ankylosis. The post-operative residuals of his left knee disability were also rated at 20 percent, and no higher rating was warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic left ankle sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 6, 2005
- Citation
- 0509984
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 0509984.
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 Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic left ankle sprain, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the current condition is related to a left ankle injury sustained during active duty.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for left shoulder disability was granted in full, and the issues of entitlement to a rating higher than 10 percent for right hamstring tendonitis, left elbow bursitis, chronic left ankle sprain, and low back disability were denied or dismissed.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition and denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, while remanding the other issues.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his entire appeal, and the Board dismissed all related issues.
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