The Veteran's left ankle arthritis is found to have its onset during service and granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, currently rated at 10 percent, is also granted as the evidence does not show that a higher rating is warranted.
The deciding factor: Service connection for left ankle arthritis was established based on continuity of symptoms since service. For the lumbar spine disability, the Veteran's current range of motion and lack of severe muscle spasm or abnormal contour were considered in determining no need for extraschedular consideration.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle arthritis, Lumbar spine disability (chronic lumbar strain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 29, 2011
- Citation
- 1124612
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 1124612.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for PTSD, and a compensable rating for left ankle arthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's SMC was granted at the intermediate rate due to his need for aid and attendance, which is related to service-connected conditions including bladder and prostate cancer residuals, lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran does not meet criteria for loss of use of any extremities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle and foot disorders due to a lack of VA examination and medical opinion. The RO is instructed to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if any current diagnoses are related to active service.
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