The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left ankle, right wrist, and right elbow disabilities were denied. The RO increased the evaluation of the left ankle disability to 20 percent in January 2004 but did not grant a higher rating. For the period between August 1, 2001 and March 6, 2005, the veteran's right wrist and elbow disabilities were rated as noncompensably disabling. Beginning March 7, 2005, they were each rated at 10 percent. The RO did not grant higher ratings for these periods.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran had malunion or nonunion of the tibia and fibula, ankylosis of the ankle, or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes. For the period between August 1, 2001 and March 6, 2005, there was no evidence of functional impairment due to pain or other factors. The veteran's right wrist and elbow disabilities were rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5215 for these periods.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Postoperative residuals of left ankle fracture with degenerative joint disease"}, {"condition_name":"Tendonitis of the right wrist"}, {"condition_name":"Tendonitis of the right elbow"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

May 17, 2006

Citation

0614468

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 0614468.