The Veteran's left ankle arthritis is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral knee disorders are not service-connected. The lumbosacral spine disorder was also found to be directly related to the service-connected left ankle arthritis.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed significant degenerative changes in the left ankle, warranting a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for ankylosis of the ankle. The bilateral knee disorders were not shown to be service-connected or related to the left ankle condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, Bilateral knee disorders (arthritis), Lumbosacral spine disorder (arthritis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2013
- Citation
- 1335603
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 1335603.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a disability evaluation and service connection due to inadequate examinations, including those related to her left ankle and low back pain.
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.