The Board found that the proposed reductions in evaluations for the Veteran's right ankle ligament repair, left ankle fracture with ligament repair, right ankle scar, and left ankle scar were not proper due to lack of improvement in disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show sustained improvement in the Veteran's disabilities, as required by VA regulations for reduction of disability evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ankle Ligament Repair with Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Ankle Fracture with Ligament Repair and Degenerative Joint Disease, Right Ankle Scar, Left Ankle Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2010
- Citation
- 1017800
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 1017800.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected right ankle scar has been granted an initial rating of 10 percent, effective July 3, 2007.,The Board is remanding the issues regarding left cervical radiculopathy and right ankle residuals for additional development.
- Denied
The Veteran's right ankle scar and DJD were evaluated, with the scar rated at 0 percent and the DJD rated at 10 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for both conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 3, 2012. The Board has remanded the case for further development including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular TDIU consideration.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development. The right ankle disability, including its complications such as arthritis and instability, remains under review.
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