The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the left ankle, finding that the preponderance of evidence showed moderate limitation of motion and no marked limitation. The Veteran's employment as a letter carrier did not require any exceptional or unusual disability picture.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ankle arthritis manifested by dorsiflexion to 20 degrees, plantar flexion to 30 degrees at worst, weakness and fatigability following repetitive movement, X-ray evidence of arthritis, and complaints of pain did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 8, 2010
- Citation
- 1042077
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 1042077.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a neck disorder, diagnosed as arthritis of the cervical spine, and a left leg disorder, diagnosed as arthritis of the left ankle.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right ankle, left ankle, left knee, and right knee.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior instructions for an ankle examination. The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating for arthritis of the left ankle is now pending.
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