The Veteran's initial grant of service connection for post-traumatic arthritis of the left ankle was granted in December 1997 and a rating of 20 percent has been assigned since then. The Board found that from September 19, 2005 to May 15, 2009, the criteria for a 30 percent rating were met due to ankylosis in plantar flexion between 30 and 40 degrees or in dorsiflexion between 0 and 10 degrees. Since May 11, 2013, the evidence supports ankylosis of the left ankle in dorsiflexion between 0 and 10 degrees, warranting a rating to 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ankle joint was found to be ankylosed in dorsiflexion between 0 and 10 degrees since May 11, 2013, which meets the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5270.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402254
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 1402254.
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 granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and left foot on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back and joint disabilities, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis affecting multiple joints, including the back, ankles, hands, hips, and knees. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Partly granted
Service connection for arthritis of the right ankle and left ankle has been granted.,The issue of service connection for a left foot disability is being remanded.
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