The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lateral instability of the left ankle, as his disability is manifested by limitation of motion without ankylosis or neurologic impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's left ankle disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on additional range-of-motion loss due to weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, or pain.
- Claimed conditions
- lateral instability of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 20, 2008
- Citation
- 0828297
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0828297.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle disorder is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left ankle disability, finding that it meets the criteria for such an evaluation based on moderate limitation of motion and instability.
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