The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent prior to May 11, 2010 and increased to 20 percent effective from May 11, 2010. The claim for higher ratings is denied.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination in May 2010 showed marked limitation of motion with dorsiflexion limited to just 10 degrees, but no ankylosis was noted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1401236
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 1401236.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle DJD and instability are each rated at 20 percent, with the instability issue being granted. The rating for DJD remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in its previous decision regarding a rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle. The Veteran's testimony during his May 2013 hearing was not adequately addressed, and the Court ordered additional development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for traumatic brain injury, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left ankle degenerative joint disease have been granted. The service connection is established based on direct evidence of the conditions during active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of an initial compensable rating for PFB, service connection for a chronic low back disorder, service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, service connection for chronic cardiovascular disease, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
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