The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and residuals of a right ankle injury were denied. The Board found that prior to February 11, 2013, the Veteran's residuals of a right ankle injury did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. On and after February 11, 2013, his residuals met the criteria for a 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed no limitation of motion or other compensable symptoms prior to February 11, 2013, while on and after that date, the Veteran's ankle disability was manifested by marked limitation of motion without evidence of ankylosis or malunion of os calcis or astralagus.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine, Residuals of a right ankle injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1340889
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 1340889.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right hand and right ankle injuries due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for the Veteran's left and right ankle injuries, chronic kidney disease, and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee. However, a 10 percent rating was granted for hypertension.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and pubic symphysis are granted service connection as they were shown in service. The left shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence it began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were remanded, and the issues are now pending again. The right ankle injury remains rated at 10 percent, while degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is also remanded.
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