The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left ankle as secondary to service-connected postoperative left Achilles tendon and initial compensable disability ratings for residuals of status post right and left wrist injuries.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a grant of service connection or an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the left ankle, Degenerative joint disease in both wrists
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0938698
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 0938698.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and left foot on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back and joint disabilities, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis affecting multiple joints, including the back, ankles, hands, hips, and knees. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
Service connection for arthritis of the right ankle and left ankle has been granted.,The issue of service connection for a left foot disability is being remanded.
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