The Board found that the Veteran's current degenerative changes of both left and right ankles are not related to service, as there is no clear evidence of a preexisting condition or aggravation during service. The claim for service connection was denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current degenerative changes were less likely than not incurred in or caused by his in-service injuries and did not find any clear and unmistakable evidence of a pre-existing condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the left ankle, Degenerative changes of the right ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2014
- Citation
- 1402820
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 1402820.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative changes of the left ankle, effective June 29, 2019. The issues regarding increased ratings and TDIU were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities have been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 20 percent each, based on marked limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's left hamstring tear has not yet had a rating assigned due to lack of definitive information regarding abduction loss beyond 10 degrees. The case is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the right ankle and TDIU claims for additional development. The Veteran's request to pursue appeal of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy claims is not considered as those issues are not before the Board.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle disability.
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