The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating for his right ankle and thigh scars, or for a superficial scar on the left lower leg.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed some limitation of motion in the Veteran's ankles and knee joints due to arthritis but no significant functional impairment. The scars were painful but did not cause additional limitations as required by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of SFW, right ankle, with degenerative arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint, right great toe, Right thigh scar (related to SFW), Right ankle scar, Left lower leg superficial scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402089
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 1402089.
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 Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle instability and secondary service connection for a right ankle scar. The decision also readjudicates the claim of service connection for the right ankle scar.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 24, 2020 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU. The evidence shows that his PTSD symptoms have significantly impacted his ability to work since January 31, 2019.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left shoulder arthritis, right ankle and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational history.
- Granted
The Veteran's urinary frequency disability is granted as service-connected. The right ankle scar issue is remanded for further review.
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