The Board has determined that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the left ankle and left wrist is related to his military service, raising a reasonable doubt as to whether these conditions are directly related. The Veteran's complaints of pain in his ankles and wrists during active duty have led to arthritis diagnoses post-service.
The deciding factor: The onset of symptoms was noted during service, and there is evidence of continued symptomatology after discharge, raising the possibility that the current disabilities may be related to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the left ankle, osteoarthritis of the left wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 28, 2012
- Citation
- 1222643
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 1222643.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary arteriosclerosis, and multiple joint issues, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since July 26, 2023. The Board has granted an effective date of that day for the award of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Dismissed
The appeal of the issues related to increased ratings for various conditions, including tendonitis of the right ankle, osteoarthritis of the left ankle, lumbosacral strain, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities, was dismissed due to a procedural defect.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent rating for left ankle osteoarthritis from June 25, 2021, and a separate 10 percent rating for left ankle instability.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased rating for left ankle osteoarthritis was dismissed due to a concurrent election and error in the filing process.
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