The Board has granted a 20 percent initial disability evaluation for synovitis of the left ankle, which is the maximum schedular rating based on limitation of motion. There is no medical evidence of ankylosis or other complications that would warrant a higher initial rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is manifested by arthritis and moderate limitation of motion but with consideration of instability, frequent periods of significant pain, weakness, and fatigue particularly with repetitive motion or use, the degree of disability more closely approximates marked when compared to moderate. The preponderance of evidence supports a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- synovitis of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 12, 2007
- Citation
- 0717537
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 0717537.
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 Veteran's bilateral ankle synovitis is currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5271. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected ankle synovitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of his back disability and left ankle synovitis due to potential new evidence and need for further examination.
- Granted
The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for migraine headaches, finding that the veteran's frequent but manageable headaches meet the criteria for this rating. The left ankle disability is rated as 10 percent disabling.
- Denied
The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than March 22, 1996 for the grant of service connection for synovitis of the left ankle with a history of chronic eversion injuries and acute sprain is not warranted.
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