The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and degenerative arthritis of the left ankle was denied as there is no evidence that the conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The current range of motion findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and there are no incapacitating episodes or neurological abnormalities associated with these disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, Degenerative arthritis of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2013
- Citation
- 1302073
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 1302073.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Granted
The Board has determined that new evidence received after the June 2024 denial supports a finding of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. The decision concludes that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury playing softball.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, while remanding claims for muscular dystrophy and special monthly compensation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, finding that it is related to his active-duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected low back and bilateral shoulder disabilities, as well as the extension of a temporary total disability rating due to convalescence following surgery on his lumbar spine, are being remanded due to failure to substantially comply with previous Board instructions.
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