The Veteran's left ankle fusion with left calf atrophy is rated as 40 percent disabling, the highest rating available under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has significant limitation of motion in his left ankle and visible atrophy in his left calf muscle due to surgical fusion. These symptoms more closely approximate a 40 percent disability rating than any lower rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle fusion, Left calf atrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2010
- Citation
- 1018700
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1018700.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left tibial stress reaction and separate rating for left calf atrophy are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's current left and right ankle disabilities did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and the only competent opinions to address their etiology weighed against the claims. The diagnoses are considered new and separate conditions unrelated to his service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran meets the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to service-connected disabilities affecting his lower extremities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the residuals of a left ankle fusion meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating.
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