The Veteran's lower back disorder is service-connected as secondary to his left ankle and right tibia and fibula disabilities. His traumatic arthritis of the left ankle has been rated at 20 percent, but he seeks a higher evaluation.,He was granted a compensable evaluation for healed fractures of the right tibia and fibula.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lower back disorder is secondary to his service-connected disabilities of the left ankle and right tibia and fibula.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disorder, post-traumatic degenerative arthritis of left ankle
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 15, 2012
- Citation
- 1217378
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 1217378.
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 Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back, right hip, and right ankle disorders as secondary to his left knee disorder. The AOJ must obtain VA examinations and provide answers to questions regarding the etiology of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left leg shin splints and lower back disorder due to new evidence received by the Veteran. The VA will conduct further examinations and consider any additional evidence before making a decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disorder. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the preexisting spondylolisthesis did not increase in severity during active duty and was not aggravated by service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.